During any given class of the Black History Study – Palm Beach County program, students would have “Lion King” moments.
“Remember who you are,” commanded an ethereal Mufasa to his son, Simba. In the movie, based on an African tale, young Simba regained strength, courage, royalty, pride and hope with that guidance.
The second season of the Black History Study program, offered by the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum and its partners, concluded in April 2026 with a graduation ceremony, concert celebration and participants forever changed by the knowledge gained during their sessions of instruction and cultural experiences. Like Simba, each student — some middle- and high-school students, others adults and one elementary-age drop-in — gained a greater understanding of self, which fostered a greater understanding of their place in world history. In the midst of learning about themselves, students also learned about each other.
“The highlight of the program for me was the connection, the relationships that we formed,” said Porschia Grace-Knowles, lead on-site instructor for grades K-12. “When we first started, the kids were hesitant to interact with each other and me. By graduation, I was moved seeing how close we had become.”
During season one, in 2023-2024, the program’s announcement garnered national media attention (Associated Press), as part of a trend in education of nonprofit organizations filling the history gaps in school district curriculums. The initial Black History Study curriculum, led by local educators, provided historical context of Black history as originating in Africa and followed the progression of American history, as experienced by Black people. Special attention was given to Florida history and the roles local Native American and African inhabitants played in its development. The first season’s curriculum was held on weekends, which encouraged several parents to stay for the lesson; the multi-generational participation led to the program’s growth.
Season two expanded to include adults, along with middle- and high-school students. A dual- track curriculum was developed with the expertise of Brian Knowles. Knowles, founder of Power Builders and a former educator with the School District of Palm Beach County, started the stories of Black history not on plantations, but within the advanced societies of African kingdoms. From there, students traced the Black experience around the world before focusing on their influence on The Americas.
Sessions included integrated technology, creative projects, and field trips. For example, teenage participants create podcasts sharing their perspectives on curriculum lessons. Adult participants engaged in lively Zoom discussions with workshop leaders, fueled by personal experiences and emotional intersections. Season two’s enrollment increased 45 percent over season one.
Middle-school participants Amira Adesunloye, 12, and Durban Burke, 13, took similar and different things away from the program. Both enjoyed the collaborative and conversational parts, where students worked on team projects, like building the Great Wall of Benin out of cardboard, and sitting in a circle, trading insights into history.
But for Amira, the program has also inspired a desire to share what she’s learned by joining her school’s Black Student Association. For Durban, who attends a school with predominantly White and Brazilian classmates, it was an opportunity to strengthen his cultural identity and engage over subjects unique to his lineage, which is rooted in South Africa.
“This was a new experience for me,” he said. “I’ve been in many book clubs and history clubs, but this was a new way to learn, and we learned something new every time.”
Season 3 of the Black History Study program promises more evolution with goals to recruit more students, to stretch the interactive elements, and to continue inspiring local students to become avid consumers of their historic, proud legacy, remembering who they are.