By Dr. Perry, Middle School Director

As we conclude Black History Month, I find myself reflecting even more on the histories, stories, and contributions of Black people that have shaped our country and the wider world—and on the responsibility we all share to remember them with honesty and care. This month is always a meaningful reminder that learning about the past is also an invitation to consider how our choices, our relationships, and our communities reflect our shared humanity today.

I often return to the words of civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer, who said, “Nobody’s free until everybody’s free.” Her message challenges me to think about the kind of community we are building here at ISDenver: one grounded in empathy, curiosity, and a commitment to understanding perspectives beyond our own. As an international school, we also look beyond U.S. history. I am especially moved by the story of Gaspar Yanga, an Afro‑Mexican leader who helped establish one of the first free Black communities in the Americas—a powerful reminder of the global reach of Black resistance, leadership, and community‑building.

(For families who may want to explore further, I recommend the documentary Fannie Lou Hamer’s America. It offers an accessible and deeply human look at her life and enduring impact.)

I had the privilege of serving as a Black History Month guest speaker at the Madison Country Day School about a week ago. I moved between second-grade read alouds, middle school Spanish classrooms, high school discussions on WWII and marginalized community, affinity group lunches, and leadership conversations with administrators.

Across divisions, one theme surfaced.

Students are ready for honest conversations about identity, travel, language, and belonging. They are more ready for complexity than we sometimes assume.

Black History Month is a moment.

The work of equity and belonging is ongoing.

As an educator and school leader, I am grateful to be part of a Middle School community that values reflection, dialogue, and growth. These moments remind me why our mission matters: to help students become thoughtful, compassionate, internationally minded young people who can navigate a diverse world with confidence and care.