91´ô¸ç Celebrates Black History Month
Join 91´ô¸ç in celebrating Black History Month! Every February, to honor the multifaceted experiences our Black students, staff and families 91´ô¸ç celebrates Black History Month, a time to highlight the district's commitment to creating a safe, supportive and inclusive environment.
Black History Month provides an opportunity for deeper exploration of Black and African-American history than what is taught throughout the year. Honoring, recognizing and educating ourselves about these histories is important because they represent our collective American history. Each campus receives resources, and campuses are encouraged to collaborate with students and staff to design Black History Month activities that engage, educate and inspire.
2025 Engagement Opportunities
Signature Events
Pan-African Flag-raising Ceremony
Date: Monday, Feb. 3
Time: 9 a.m.
Location: Central Office by the Flagpole,
4000 S. I-H 35 Frontage Rd.
African American Heritage Celebration
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 26
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Performing Arts Center (PAC),
1500 Barbara Jordan Blvd.
Event Description and Essay Contest
The African American Heritage Celebration began in 1983 under the leadership of former 91´ô¸ç Associate Superintendent William Charles Akins. With a 2025 theme of “Unity in Diversity: Celebrating Trailblazers in the Community," this event showcases the academic achievements of our students, the dedication and leadership of our staff, and the commitment of our community partners. 91´ô¸ç awards our Top Senior Scholars with a textbook scholarship for their college of choice, as well as prizes for winners of the essay and art contests. The 2025 celebration will feature hosts and student performances from Akins Early College High School.
The student essay contest deadline was Friday, Jan. 17. Winners from 4th, 7th and 10th grades will be announced at the African American Heritage Celebration on Feb. 26.
Please send
Experience Events
Select the experience type below.
Student Experience
African American Student Affirmation Project
91´ô¸ç students will share empowering affirmations that promote confidence, self-worth, and recognition of their unique strengths. The audio recordings of these affirmations will be available online.
Starting Monday, Feb. 3, campuses can access the affirmation recordings at 91´ô¸ç Black History Month.
Date: Monday, Feb. 3
Location: Online
Black History Month 91´ô¸ç Alumni Virtual Panel Discussion
This discussion with 91´ô¸ç Alumni to share their experience as students in our district and share what they are doing now. This event will highlight the journey of alumni as they venture into their careers and how it connects to their journey as 91´ô¸ç students. 
 D²¹³Ù±ð: Friday, Feb 7
Time: Noon –1 p.m.
Location:
Dial-in: (US) +1 321-465-4929 PIN: 238 831 440#
Black History Month Resources
To support both classroom and learning, a comprehensive curriculum for elementary and secondary levels will be available in shared folder.
Huston-Tillotson University Tour
Travis Early College High School Student Produced!
Community Experience
Kick Off with Kickball – Community Event
Date: Saturday, Feb. 8
Time: Noon-4 p.m.
Location: Rosewood Recreation Center, 2300 Rosewood Avenue, Austin, TX 78702
This free community event will promote wellness and foster a sense of unity among students, staff, and the greater 91´ô¸ç community.
Staff Experience
You Know It Like A Poet: Celebrating Black History Through Poetry
Date: Friday, Feb. 21
Time: 11 a.m. – Noon
Location: Central Office Board Room
This event will be live-streamed and recorded for later viewing. More details to come.
2024 African American Heritage Celebration Awards Winners
Share in honoring 91´ô¸ç’s outstanding students and the presentation of the 2024 African American Heritage Celebration awards:
- Charles Akins Award
Chief Wayne Sneed
- Hobart L. Gaines Award
Anthony Lee
- Spirit of Giving Award
Roger C. Davis
- Friend of Education Award
The Reverend Randy Knight
- Servant of Education Award
Sam Herrera
- Team Player of the Year Award
Frankie Mendoza
- Principal for Continued School Improvement Award
Andrea Williams, Pecan Spring Elementary School
- True Gem Counselor Award
Robin D. Johnson
- Volunteer Service Award
Betty Johnson Williams
- Servant of Education Award
Val Barnes
- Artistic Achievement Award
Anderson Trojan Cheer Team
2023 Collection
Past Student Experience
Students can explore the with activities and resources for the elementary and secondary classrooms.
The 2023 Student Equity Council and campus Black Student Alliances, in collaboration with AISD TV, created the Black Table Talk Series to encourage engagement and discussion amongst students. , ,
