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Kelly Elementary Holds First-Ever Black History Living Wax Museum

WEST ORANGE, NJ - Students at Kelly Elementary presented the school's first-ever Black History Living Wax Museum on Feb. 26, dressing in costume and providing fellow students with the opportunity to interact with famous figures that have impacted history.

Students represented notable people, such as scientists Mae Jemison and Katherine Johnson; athletes Dominique Dawes, Simone Biles, Wilma Rudolph, Muhammad Ali, Willie O’Ree, Michael Jordan, and Odell Beckham Jr; performers Misty Copeland and Michaela DePrince; and activists MLK Jr and Ruby Bridges

“The inaugural Black History Living Wax Museum was a wonderful success. It was truly a joy to see how excited the kids were to participate. Also, the students and faculty touring the museum were highly engaged. I look forward to seeing an even bigger museum for 2025. stated Sonya Martin, organizer and co-founder of Kelly PTA’s new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.

“It was inspiring to see young people take such pride in their projects and in telling the stories of the icons they represented. We are ecstatic at what the first living wax museum brought to Kelly and look forward to doing more events like this in the near future," said Erika Turner, co-organizer.

Principal David Marion was excited to participate with the PTA in its initiative.

"Kelly Elementary's first Black History Month Living Wax Museum was a huge success thanks to the creative and talented students who participated. They undoubtedly inspired their peers, teachers and parents as they seamlessly told the stories of their favorite historical Black figures," he concluded.

SEE ALL THE PHOTOS FROM THE KELLY BLACK HISTORY LIVING WAX MUSEUM HERE.

Kelly Black History Living Wax Museum

Cynthia Cumming
Feb. 28, 2024