Honoring Black History in Salem-Keizer
Each year, February is recognized as Black History Month by the National Library of Congress and is honored throughout our community and all Salem-Keizer Public Schools.
As we celebrate Black History Month and highlight the remarkable progress and support within our school communities, we reflect on the achievements of our Black and African American students, staff and community members.
We are proud to share the inspiring stories and initiatives that have shaped our district's commitment to the success of all students and our thriving community.
Empowering Graduates: Notable Gains from the Class of 2024
Notable gains for the SKPS Class of 2024 came from students who identify as Black or African American, improving by more than 17.7 percentage points from the previous year. This represents a total increase of more than 28 percentage points over the previous two years.
At 83.05%, SKPS Black or African American students surpassed the state average for all students for the first time in at least eight years.
Salem-Keizer Public Schools is committed to supporting Black and African American students and believes in the enrichment of all students through embracing, celebrating, honoring and educating all in our school communities about Black history and culture. Many Salem-Keizer schools support student-led Black Student Unions.
Our Stories: From Student to Community Leader, Ashley Dunn
When you walk around buildings, you will hear a plethora of different languages, you will see students with so many different lived experiences from different cultural backgrounds and views.
Ashley Dunn, SKPS Social Worker and Salem-Keizer NAACP Vice President
Coming Up This Month
This month, we encourage all members of the Salem-Keizer community to join together in learning about, sharing and celebrating Black history and the daily impact and accomplishment of Black and African American students, families and community members right here in Salem-Keizer.
At its upcoming business session, the Salem-Keizer School Board will also vote on the annual Proclamation, recognizing and reaffirming the district’s commitment to supporting and uplifting the success of Black and African American students throughout our schools.
Continue to check back here throughout the month as we will be highlighting opportunities to celebrate our community.