A Day of Reflection and Learning for Black History

By Adrian Bryant

POUGHKEEPSIE – On the final day of Black History Month, Arlington High School became a hub of historical discovery and cultural enlightenment as students from My Brother’s Keeper and My Sister’s Keeper programs at Arlington and Poughkeepsie High Schools gathered for a powerful, immersive experience. The event featured presentations by Gwen Ragsdale of the Lest We Forget Slavery Museum in Philadelphia and Adrian Bryant of Adrian Bryant Media Group, LLC, bringing history to life in a way that deeply resonated with the 60 students in attendance.

The morning began with a continental breakfast, generously provided by the Beyond the Dream Foundation and sourced from Antonella’s Restaurant in Wappingers Falls. With a sense of camaraderie and anticipation filling the room, students settled in for a journey through time—one that would challenge their perspectives and deepen their understanding of the African American experience.

Unveiling the Truths of the Past
Gwen Ragsdale, a passionate historian and the driving force behind Philadelphia’s Lest We Forget Slavery Museum, delivered the first presentation. She shared the remarkable origin story of the only museum in Philadelphia dedicated to preserving physical remnants of America’s past—artifacts that bear silent witness to a brutal history too often sanitized or ignored.

With unwavering clarity, Ragsdale walked the students through the harsh realities of the Middle Passage, unveiling actual shackles, whips, sale documents, and advertisements that once commodified human lives. Yet, her presentation was not just about the suffering. She emphasized the resilience, ingenuity, and enduring contributions of enslaved and oppressed Africans—how, despite the weight of history, they helped shape the very foundation of America.

A proud alumna of Shaw University (HBCU) in Raleigh, NC, Ragsdale’s commitment to preserving Black history and educating future generations was evident in every moment of her powerful presentation.

An Interactive Journey Through Time
Following Ragsdale’s gripping session, Adrian Bryant—who returned after his impactful presentation at last year’s 2024 Black History Month event—delivered an experience unlike any other. A graduate of Howard University (HBCU), where he majored in History, Bryant has dedicated his career to educating and empowering communities through history and culture.

This year’s presentation took a highly interactive approach, as Bryant orchestrated an engaging trivia competition, transforming the entire auditorium into an arena of knowledge and friendly rivalry. Students, divided into two competing teams, answered questions that tested their understanding of Black history while simultaneously learning new, eye-opening facts along the way. As the contest unfolded, Bryant seamlessly wove in a robust historical timeline, revealing key moments in Black history—including the presence of African explorers in the Americas long before Columbus—as a natural part of the game. This masterful integration of historical content kept students engaged, making learning both immersive and dynamic.

The competition was fierce yet fun, with students actively debating and strategizing to win. Ultimately, the victorious team was rewarded with T-shirts donated by the Poughkeepsie Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc., a fitting prize for an event built on knowledge and community.

Bryant, a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc. and part of the Beyond the Dream Foundation, has long been a champion of education, mentorship, and cultural awareness. His ability to bring history to life while engaging students in active learning made the session both memorable and impactful.

A Lasting Impact
The event was not just well attended—it was deeply engaging. Students eagerly asked questions both during and after the presentations, demonstrating an undeniable hunger for knowledge and understanding. Their curiosity and participation served as the strongest testament to the power of the day’s lessons.

By blending historical truth with interactive learning, Gwen Ragsdale and Adrian Bryant transformed Black History Month from a mere commemoration into an immersive, eye-opening experience. In doing so, they ensured that these students left the auditorium not just informed, but inspired—armed with knowledge that will guide them far beyond the walls of their school.