DALLAS — Nearly 50 first and second graders in North Texas studied, dressed and posed as influential Americans for a living "wax museum" to learn about and celebrate Black History Month.

What You Need To Know

  • N.W. Harllee Early Childhood Center created a living "wax museum" for Black History Month

  • About 50 first and second graders each picked an influential American to study and dress as

  • The school was named after Nathan Washington Harllee, a Black pioneer

  • This is the school’s inaugural living wax museum, and they plan to do it again

N.W. Harllee Early Childhood Center created a living “wax museum” for Black History Month. Forty-five first and second graders each picked one person to dress as and study. Astrid Boerm picked Stacey Abrams, who wrote one of her favorite books, “Stacey’s Extraordinary Words.”

“She is a Black lady who is running for governor in Georgia,” Boerm said. 

Boerm spent a lot of time researching Abrams. She looks up to her.

“Because she is a strong woman, and she is always looking to help somebody,” she said.

As a campus that was named after a Black pioneer, Nathan Washington Harllee, the staff designed this interactive research project to give their students the opportunity to research and learn about the many contributions of African American people throughout history.

Brennyn Hart dressed as current vice president, Kamala Harris.

“Kamala Harris loves to cook. Her name means Lotus, and she wrote three books,” Hart said. “Her mom always wanted her to grow into a powerful lady.”

The kids are slipped fully into character, testing their knowledge and paying tribute to the people who have impacted history.

“If I wanted to do it again, I would want to be Harriet Tubman,” said Hart.

Right before the living wax museum came to life, there was a school parade for all students and staff to celebrate Black History Month. Many parents watched the parade and presentation via Zoom.