Written by Sotti Morrow, Director of Advancement, Waldorf School of Baltimore

At the Waldorf School of Baltimore (WSB), February became a heartfelt celebration of Black joy, pride, and resilience. The entire school—preschoolers, students, and teachers—came together to honor the remarkable contributions of Black individuals throughout history. This was more than just a series of history lessons; it was a vibrant, hands-on tribute to the strength, spirit, and triumphs of Black communities.

The month began with a captivating marionette performance in the Children’s Garden. Harriet and the Stars, written by Leslie Wetzonis-Woolverton, brought Harriet Tubman’s courage to life in a way that even the youngest students could understand. Early childhood teachers spent two months preparing this inspiring piece by Leslie Wetzonis-Woolverton—a former Waldorf Parent-Child and Nursery class teacher, now a member of the WECAN Early Childhood Research Group, WECAN Site Visitor, and Teacher Trainer for several institutes across North America—strove to convey that “the world is good” while presenting the story of enslaved people in a way that was both age-appropriate and deeply respectful of Harriet Tubman’s struggles and courageous response to them. No small feat. The schools’ youngest students sat in rapt attention, deeply engaged in this poignant introduction to Harriet’s struggles and triumphs.

Preschoolers also honored Frederick Douglass by baking over 100 cupcakes using Waldorf’s 50-year-old spiced “kindergarten cake” recipe. On his birthday, February 14th, they delivered these treats to the older students as a heartfelt gesture of love and connection. As the older students enjoyed the sweet treats, they participated in meaningful conversations about Douglass’s extraordinary life and legacy. Families of young children were also encouraged to watch the powerful TED Talk Is My Skin Brown Because I Drank Chocolate Milk?, providing a thoughtful starting point for discussions on developmentally appropriate ways to talk about the painful history of slavery and discrimination.

For Grades 1-8, the month was infused with music as students explored the contributions of Black musicians who have shaped the world of music. This celebration reached its emotional height during a school-wide musical showcase. The choir performed a moving rendition of Langston Hughes’ The Dream Keeper, with eighth graders sharing spoken-word dreams for a better world, set against a hauntingly beautiful backdrop of voices from grades 3-7. The moment became even more powerful when Tiffany Hamm, WSB’s first Black lead children’s garden teacher and classically trained vocalist, joined the choir for a surprise finale. Her voice lifted the room to its feet, creating a moment of celebration for Black culture and history that was truly unforgettable.

In classrooms, students explored the lives of influential Black figures—from Martin Luther King Jr. and Maya Angelou to Beyoncé. These stories of perseverance and achievement sparked deep reflection on justice, equality, and resilience.

These celebrations are part of WSB’s ongoing commitment to decolonizing the curriculum and fostering anti-bias work, diversity, and inclusivity. Seven of our teachers recently graduated from the Building Bridges Teacher Training, a fifteen-month CfA program that focuses on human development and decolonizing the curriculum. While this training wasn’t directly linked to the February celebrations, it is helping prepare future educators to create a more inclusive and reflective learning environment grounded in child development and anthroposophy.

At WSB, Black History Month is more than a moment—it’s part of a year-round effort to build a community where every student feels seen, valued, and celebrated. Through meaningful lessons and intentional celebrations, the school is nurturing a generation of students who are inspired to carry the values of justice, compassion, and understanding into the world.