Black History Month offers our community a meaningful opportunity to pause, reflect, and celebrate the rich history, contributions, and lived experiences of Black Americans. At Marist, this month has been marked by intentional moments of prayer, learning, and student leadership that invite us all to grow in understanding and connection.
Each year, members of the Marist community continue the tradition of attending the African American Heritage Prayer Service at Holy Name Cathedral in downtown Chicago. For several years now, this experience has provided a powerful opportunity to gather in faith, honor Black heritage, and reflect on the ongoing call to justice and unity within our Church and broader community. This year’s service will take place on February 20.
“Black History Month is a celebration of a lineage of excellence. It is about remembering the past, honoring today, and working toward a better tomorrow,” said LaToya Hayes, Director of Equity and Belonging. It is an opportunity for our community to acknowledge the past, the paths that have been paved, and the beauty of our strength in striving for continued excellence.
In addition, the Black Student Union, moderated by Coach Topps, has played a central role in elevating Black history throughout the month. Members of the Marist Black Student Union have been highlighting Black inventors and their groundbreaking contributions during daily announcements.
Marist faculty and staff have thoughtfully decorated the hallways with visual reminders of influential Black changemakers, creating meaningful moments of reflection and learning throughout the school day.
Welcoming Our Special Guest: Sherman “Dilla” Thomas
As part of our Black History Month programming, Marist is excited to welcome Sherman “Dilla” Thomas, CEO and Chief Historian of the Chicago Mahogany Foundation, for a special visit with students on February 25th.
Affectionately known as Dilla, Thomas is a modern historian, cultural worker, and proud lifelong resident of Chicago’s South Side. Through his engaging and accessible storytelling, he has become a Chicago social media sensation, reaching millions with his 60 second history videos that spotlight the people, places, and stories that have shaped the city. His content has been viewed more than 8 million times, and he has built a following of over 150,000 across social media platforms.
Dilla’s work has been featured across Chicago media outlets and nationally on The Today Show and The Kelly Clarkson Show. He is known for bringing history to life in a way that is both educational and deeply connected to community, often reminding audiences that “everything dope about America comes from Chicago.”
In 2022, Dilla received the Uplifting Voices Award from Public Narrative, recognizing his commitment to elevating under-resourced and under-heard communities through storytelling and public engagement. That same year, the City of Chicago awarded Dilla and the Chicago Mahogany Foundation one of 61 neighborhood vitality grants, supporting their mission to preserve and share Black history. These funds are being used to establish a home base for the organization in the former home of Margaret Burroughs, artist and co-founder of the DuSable Museum of African American History.
During his visit to Marist, Dilla will engage students in the theater through scheduled sessions with select classrooms, offering a meaningful opportunity to connect Chicago history, culture, and lived experience to the present day.
In addition, the Women’s Empowerment Club has curated a thoughtful display celebrating Black women who have influenced history. Located on the first floor near The Point, the display highlights the leadership, resilience, and lasting impact of Black women whose contributions continue to shape our world today.
“These moments matter,” Hayes added. “When students see themselves reflected in history and leadership, it deepens their sense of belonging and reminds us all that our community is stronger when every voice is valued.”
These experiences reflect Marist’s ongoing commitment to equity and belonging. I am grateful to our students, faculty, and clubs for their leadership and creativity in bringing these experiences to life. Together, we continue the important work of honoring Black history not only this month, but throughout the year.
LaToya Hayes, Director of Equity and Belonging
As part of our Black History Month observance, Danzel Newell ’26 highlights the legacy and impact of George Washington Carver during morning announcements.
English 1 classes proudly showcased their Chicago History projects in alignment with Black History Month, highlighting the city’s rich cultural legacy and the profound impact of Black leaders communities and events on Chicago’s story.
As part of our Black History Month observance, Myla McClain ’29 honors the life and legacy of the late Reverend Jesse Jackson during morning announcements.
