2026 marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Celebrations. The annual commemoration of what was originally only one week in February became a celebration of Black history for the entire month just 50 years ago, extending recognition of Black voices and highlighting their achievements. During Black History Month this year, ETHS is tuning into its artistic creativity by proudly hosting the special event, “100 Years, 100 Stories.”
Art has always been a key aspect of expression and communication here at ETHS, introducing ideas, creating stories and reflecting history and culture. It’s a key initiative for this month to connect students to Black heritage.
Created to honor Black excellence through visual storytelling, 100 years, 100 stories specifically features student-created art pieces featuring Black figures, local leaders or unsung heroes throughout the century.
Ebony Redmond, staff member and event organizer of ETHS Black History Month events for the past 2 years, focused a lot on honoring this year’s anniversary celebration, and with last year’s Civil Rights theme being such a success, much inspiration came into this year’s planning.
“This year, I didn’t obviously want to do the same thing. I always like to come up with something a little bit newer and fresh, and so, just the fact that we are commemorating 100 years, that came up with the 100 years, 100 stories,” explains Redmond.
Hosting the same event last year, students were told to create a Civil Rights art piece. It displayed a range of Black figures from the Civil Rights Movement, mainly from the 1950s.
This month’s theme left student expression more open-ended, allowing for options of Black figures from different decades.
Both times formed separate perspectives, and though slightly different, the two angles highlight Redmond’s contrasting approaches to art.
“I’m kind of trying to see what it is that they will really want to see and have, to be a part of a special moment,” expresses Redmond.
Those who participated were allowed to find stories, research their roots and create art. They were invited to create any form of work, whether digital artwork, hand-drawn, painted portraits, mixed media or even AI.
Redmond, who was fond of the different styles, points out the variety of figures.
“We have so many community organizers, educators and coaches that are very influential…some of our students have submitted people that are in our very own community that they feel are uplifting and inspiring,” expresses Redmond.
This gave them the flexibility to be creative and remember Black history while engaging with it on many different aspects, including cultural, educational, social, or simply historical awareness.
Students really enjoyed this broader aspect of this year’s theme, with more than 20 of them who submitted their work for the event later having their art displayed in front of the Chromezone for all students and staff to see and enjoy.
“The display of pieces helps students look more into who the art is about, specifically. To read the stories behind the pictures and look more into who this person is, they might not have ever heard of this person, and a lot of the people are right here in our community,” comments Redmond
Deadlines for submission were due on the 11th of February, giving kids about 2 weeks or so to submit their best work, where they then attach it, including a short artist statement and summary of their piece, allowing them to explain the inspiration and meaning behind their work.
Students’ work has been displayed since February 17th, along with a QR code that is also displayed inside the case for voting. Students and staff got to vote for their favorite art piece, which was decided and shared amongst the community at the end of the month for everyone to enjoy.
Redmond takes great pride in her work, acknowledging her impact while wanting to make every moment the best for the Evanston community.
“We’re hoping to create something so we can keep moving forward for the next 100 years…and if some of our young students can open their eyes to all the opportunities that are out there, and if it takes art to be able to do that, then you know that just makes me feel good,” mentions Redmond.
100 Years, 100 Stories is a creative event made to promote respect and appreciation for Black history that ETHS continues to enlighten and encourage. It not only showcased the creativity and talent of students but also celebrated the appreciation of black culture and heritage. Through the range of different figures and variety of artistic expressions on display, the art honored the visual storytelling of Black lasting legacies.
“Know your history, know Black history and just honor Black excellence over the past 100 years,” reflected Redmond.
