F
ebruary is Black History Month, a time to remember and celebrate the achievements and contributions of African-
Americans in U.S. history.
The concept of annually celebrating Black achievements started in 1926 as
Negro History Week. The dates encompassed the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln
and Frederick Douglass. The celebration was later expanded to a month in
1976, the nation’s bicentennial.
During the month-long observance, MISD schools participated in assemblies,
read-ins, performances and other events to commemorate Black history.
Community members were also invited to campuses to take part in the events.
Two students from Imogene Gideon
Elementary School give a salute to Daisy
Bates during the morning announcements.
Retired NBA Superstar Teaches Students the Journey to Success
H
e went from playing professional basketball to coaching it. Now, he
uses his passion to coach people and inspire them to achieve greatness.
Five-time NBA All-Star Sidney Moncrief made a stop at Mansfield
ISD’s Phoenix Academy and Behavior Intervention Center (BIC)
to teach students about the road to his success despite his childhood
difficulties.
The 6’4” guard said he was very skilled in basketball, but his grades
didn’t always make the score. Once he made the decision to apply
himself, his grade point average (GPA) went from a 1.85 entering high
school to a 3.85 by the time he graduated.
Moncrief spoke about the habits needed to
become a successful adult whom people can trust.
“I didn’t get smarter; I decided to put in more hard work and effort,” Moncrief said. “Here’s a guy that had everything
going against him, and he was still able to do something very good. You have the same potential to be great. You just
have to find a way to tap into that.”
Moncrief is now a speaker, consultant and author. He said he wants to make sure everyone learns the real definition
of success.
“Success isn’t only about who wins. Success is who gave all there was to give.”
Mansfield School & Family 21