Students Pay Tribute to the Artists, Musicians, Writers and Thinkers of the Movement
ROOSEVELT, NEW YORK (FEBRUARY 2026)—Ulysses Byas Elementary School in the Roosevelt School District recently brought the spirit and cultural brilliance of the Harlem Renaissance to life in celebration for Black History Month.
Through powerful performances and creative presentations, students honored influential musicians like Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong, writers like Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston, activists like W.E.B. Du Bois and Alain Locke, and other Black historical trailblazers who shaped such a significant cultural movement in American history.
The celebration showcased students’ talents while highlighting the lasting impact of the Harlem Renaissance on literature, music, visual arts and social thought. By engaging with the movement’s themes of identity, expression and cultural pride, students connected the achievements of the past with the inspiration they carry forward today.
“Bringing the Harlem Renaissance to life allowed our students to experience the creativity, pride and powerful voices that have shaped our nation and continue to influence our world,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Shawn Wightman. “We’re so proud of our students for the enthusiasm and joy they brought to these performances.”
For the students of Ulysses Byas Elementary School, the celebration was not only a look back at a transformative moment in history, but also a celebration of creativity, culture and the enduring power of expression.
