On Thursday, Feb. 22, KO students traveled to the New Britain Museum of American Art for a Black History Month field trip.
Those who went on the trip departed from KO at 10:00 a.m., getting to experience the art for a couple of hours until they arrived back at KO at 1:30 p.m.
The trip took 10 students and was planned by members of the Black Student Union and Girls of Color group; however, any student interested in the trip could attend. The trip was chaperoned by Upper School counselor Felicia Velez and Spanish teacher Carolina Croes.
The visit was an educational one for those who went. The museum was self-guided and students were encouraged to find artwork created by Black artists. They had to research the artists to see who was an African American artist and to learn a little more about their background. “They had to go looking through and research to see who was a Black artist because it wasn’t prominently displayed,” Ms. Velez said.
Junior Joella Asapokhai shared her positive experience from the trip. “Overall, it was a good bonding experience to be with other Black students around campus and get to know each other more,” she said.
The trip to a museum was inspired by this year’s Black History Month theme, which is “African Americans and the Arts.” Ms. Velez also shared the impact of the trip on the students who attended. “It exposed them to different art and a different way of looking at what Black History Month means,” she said.
To ensure its educational impact, students were required to pick a piece of artwork that resonated with them, take a picture of it, and do a write up of its impact on them. Joella shared how connecting with art was an impactful experience. “No matter what age you are, where you come from, if you know your history or if you don’t, art is such an universal way to connect as Black people,” she said.
Ms. Velez share that feedback from students about the trip has been great, which opens up opportunities for similar events or trips in the future. Overall, the trip was a great experience to celebrate and appreciate Black History Month.
