At HALO, we believe in the power of creativity to inspire, heal, and educate. This Black History Month, our Learning Center youth had the chance to explore the work of Kimmy Cantrell, a renowned artist known for his bold and expressive ceramic masks.

Cubism deeply influences Cantrell's work, particularly the style of Pablo Picasso and traditional African Tribal Masks. His work represents the imperfections in life. During our lesson, we shared a presentation about Cantrell's art and discussed how he uses color, texture, and shape to tell powerful stories. Our youth then channeled their creativity by making their own masks inspired by Cantrell's style. It was an incredible experience to see them embrace their uniqueness and express themselves through art.

Black History Month is a time to honor the past and celebrate the artists, leaders, and innovators shaping the world today. Art is another form of powerful storytelling, a value that aligns closely with HALO's mission

Kimmy Cantrell's masks were just one of the many exciting activities we explored throughout Black History Month. Our youth engaged in various creative projects, discussions, and hands-on experiences highlighting Black innovators, entrepreneurs, and artists.

Learning Center youth visited a Black-owned print shop where they were able to create their own pieces and understand the printing process. We also took the time to learn about Black inventors, including Alfred Cralle, who revolutionized the way we enjoy ice cream. This month was also spent reading books highlighting Black history, culture, and experiences. These reading sessions sparked meaningful discussions and helped our youth connect to history in a personal way.