Presented by the Allies for Racial Equity Club
The Allies for Racial Equity (A.R.E.) Club at Walden School is a determined, diverse group that embraces differences and fosters inclusivity. Through discussions, workshops, and activities, the club encourages empathy, challenges biases, and organizes projects to promote unity and equality. All High School students are invited to join in cultivating a respectful, diverse school community.
Black History Month 2025
A huge thank you to Joe Mallard, "Sunshine Joe," for visiting Walden and sharing his breathtaking quilts and inspiring story with our high school students!
For over 50 years, Joe has used his intricate thread collages to chronicle history and culture, with his quilts showcased across the U.S. and Europe. Honored with the ArtsReach “Living the Vision” Award and inducted into the McComb, Mississippi Wall of Fame, Joe’s work includes the iconic Obama Tie Quilt and a custom embroidered jacket for President Jimmy Carter.
Beyond his accolades, Joe is a passionate educator, teaching the art of quilting in classrooms, community centers, and beyond. His visit reminded us that patience, perseverance, and creativity can stitch powerful stories together.
During Black History Month, we are especially grateful for the opportunity to honor and learn from artists like Joe, whose work preserves and celebrates history through creativity. Thank you to Dr. Coombs’ African American Studies course and the A.R.E. (Allies for Racial Equity) Club for organizing this meaningful visit!
Black History Month 2024
This year, the A.R.E. Club has renamed our Periodic Table of Black History to Walden’s Periodic Table of Black Excellence. A.R.E. has updated not only the periodic table's name to promote Black excellence within the culture, but they have focused on adding young change makers to the installation.
In addition, A.R.E. will be joining the Banned Book Club for a special reading with the Lower School in February to read books that represent positive and affirming African American characters and stories.
FIGURES OF AllyShip
Anne McCarty Braden (1924-2006), journalist, community organizer, and Civil Rights activist from Louisville, KY
Anne McCarty Braden
“As long as people of color can be written off as expendable, and therefore acceptable victims of the most extreme inequities, none of the basic injustices of our society will be addressed; they will only get worse.”
Lucretia Mott (1793-1880), 19th-century feminist, abolitionist, social reformer and pacifist who staunchly supported ending of slavery and helped to launch the women’s rights movement.
Lucretia Mott
“Liberty is not less a blessing, because oppression has so long darkened the mind that it can not appreciate it.””
Fred Rogers (1928-2003), For more than 30 years on his television show Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, Rogers’ kindness was beamed into homes across the US, and viewers watched as he interacted with a small cast of puppets, neighbors, and guests. Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood was an expansive show that encouraged viewers to explore their imaginations, choose love over hate, listen to other people, and treat every person with respect and dignity.
Fred Rogers
“Knowing that we can be loved exactly as we are, gives us all the best opportunity for growing into the healthiest of people.”
Periodic Table of Black Excellence
The A.R.E. Club is proud to present our updated Periodic Table of Black History in honor of Black History Month! A.R.E. has renamed our periodic table to the Periodic Table of Black Excellence; the club has updated not only the periodic table's name to promote Black excellence within the culture, but they have focused on adding young change makers to the installation.
In addition, over 50 of the Icons have a Famous First designation - for being the first in their field of accomplishment.
Happy Black History Month!
Categories of the Periodic Table of Black History Include:
Activists
Actors
Artists: Visual & Performing
Athletes
Authors
Entrepreneurs
Journalists
Military
Musicians
Poets
Politicians
STEM
LGBTQUIA+
Famous Firsts
Campus Installation
Throughout its lifetime, the Periodic Table of Black Excellence installation will be continuously updated with new historical figures and information.
