Socorro Independent School District

More than 200 students from the Socorro Independent School District and the Ysleta Independent School District immersed themselves into African American history during the annual Black History Month Art Contest.

The contest, sponsored by the SISD Fine Arts Department in collaboration with the Theta Delta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., honored outstanding achievements in African American history.

Eastlake High School sophomore Journey Richard did her artwork on singer-songwriter Lauren Hill. She said it’s important to showcase Black artists.

“It’s important for Black voices to be heard and that can be done through art,” Richard said.

An open house was conducted for the participants and the public to enjoy the artwork Feb. 1 at the SISD District Service Center. The event included an awards ceremony that began with entertainment by two interpretive dancers from Eastlake High School.

Awards were given to first, second and third place winners among three divisions. Some students were also recognized as honorable mention recipients or judges’ choice winners.

Brandan Lara, a sophomore at Montwood High School, said he entered the contest for the opportunity to learn more about the contributions of the Black community.

“It’s great that this event gives way to more people learning about Black history. That knowledge is power,” Lara said.

Some of the art pieces were dedicated to artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, athletes like Kobe Bryant and activists such as Madam C.J. Walker.

Macka Jones, SISD fine arts visual facilitator, said the contest gives students the opportunity to learn about significant American history and about important Black figures who aren’t commonly known. This gives art teachers the chance to teach scholars something new, he said.

“I love seeing their creative aspects of how they interpret what they read or studied,” Jones said. “There are some people celebrated in these pieces that I’ve never even heard of, so it gives everyone the opportunity to learn about these historical figures and the accomplishments they made throughout history.”

Black History Month originated from historian Carter G. Woodson as a month-long celebration to honor the historical contributions of Black individuals.

The Black History Month Art Contest entries will be displayed at the DSC throughout February.

2023 Black History Month Art Contest Winners

Elementary Division

1^st Place - Karla Villa, 5^th grade, REL Washington Elementary School

2^nd Place – Camila Zamudio, 5^th grade, Vista Hills Elementary School

3^rd Place – Layla Castillo, 5^th grade, Vista Hills Elementary School

Honorable Mention – Victoria Chavez, 5^th grade, Lancaster Elementary School

Middle School Division

1^st Place - Juliet Piper, 8^th grade, Bill Sybert School

2^nd Place – Andres Garcia, 7^th grade, William D. Slider Middle School

3^rd Place – Nicole Padinon, 8^th grade, Bill Sybert School

Honorable Mention – Crystal Salazar, 8^th grade, Bill Sybert School

High School Division

1^st Place - Liliana Reza, 12^th grade, Socorro High School

2^nd Place – Aileen Monserrat, 12^th grade, Ysleta High School

3^rd Place – Ailee Marquez, 12^th grade, Ysleta High School

Honorable Mention – Brandon Lara Sandate, 10^th grade, Montwood High School

Judges’ Choice – Liro Hinostroza, 12^th grade, Del Valle High School

Black History Month Contest event photos

Published February 16, 2023

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