BonnerSprings.com

Bonner Springs — After the excitement of Super Tuesday and the enthusiasm generated by Barack Obama's strong showing in primaries and caucuses locally and across the country, it's easy to forget that February is Black History Month.

On Monday, members of the NAACP Bonner Springs Branch installed displays commemorating the occasion at each of the district's schools, plus the Bonner Springs Library.

The displays at Bonner Springs Elementary included information about and from a variety of sources, including "Famous Black American Scientists," "Famous Black American Leaders," shor biographies of accomplished actors, and writers, including James Wheldon Johnson, Maya Angelou and Ida B. Wells.

"It's a shame we even have to do this, and not just have American history," said Jerry Jarrett.

In regard to Obama's candidacy, Jarrett said, "I think progress is being made. He's a very good candidate - it's just a good thing for America in general."

His wife, Melva Jarrett, was responsible for much of the displays, and at Bonner Soprings Elementary she propped up a doll she received as a gift from a woman who had seen her praise dancing group.

Frank Harrison, a member of the organization's executive committee, also contributed materials. His was a picture book titled "The History of the Moors," about the North African Muslims that ruled Spain from 711 to 1492.

"If it's not on video, kids don't know it," Harrison said.

Another book in the Bonner Springs Elementary display was titled "I Love My Hair!" - a picture book meant to teach children the natural beauty of the hair they were born with.

Wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the likeness of Martin Luther King Jr., Harrison said he hoped the displays would pique students' interest, so "they do some research."

Paulette McBride, a member of the organization's education committee, also helped with the displays.

"Everybody brings what they have," McBride said. "Everyone's responsible."

McBride noted this is the first year the displays are up for the whole month, instead of rotating from week to week between the district's five schools.