Middle school students from the class of Lia Bengtson and Tarja Lewis at Kendall Demonstration School in D.C. created a video to kick off Black Lives Matter Week of Action at Schools. They challenged viewers to think about why Black lives should matter to EVERYONE. In the video, KDES students highlighted some of the achievements and inventions Black people have contributed to society, which makes everyone’s life better. 

This idea came about after a discussion Tarja Lewis (ELA) and Lia Bengtson (Social Studies) had with colleague Ms. Bettie Waddy-Smith. 

In their memo to parents, they wrote:

Ms. Bettie Waddy-Smith’s childhood friend's father invented the concept of the blood bank! This led to a conversation about how so many things we take for granted today (like the doorknob and traffic lights!) are thanks to Black folks. School staff and students also talked about how even though we're extremely excited for Kamala Harris to become the first Black-Asian female Vice President of the United States, Black folks have been in what is now called the United States of America for over 400 years. Why is it that we are still celebrating so many "firsts"? 

Students were blown away to learn about all of these everyday items and their true origins. Some of them conducted research to learn more about the people they were talking about and all of the students involved put in so much effort and enthusiasm! 

Bengtson shared with families, “We wanted to reframe the narrative and focus on the positive contributions made to U.S. society and beyond. Please join us in learning more about these hidden narratives so we can pay due tribute to these individuals and so many more.”

Teachers asked students to take a few moments after the film to reflect on the following questions:

1. How have these inventions impacted your life? 

2. Why do Black lives matter to YOU? 

In previous years, Kendall students have also created a video explaining the 13 guiding principles, which was shared widely and valued by  educators and families across the country.