Franklin School students assume famous identities for Black History Month program

Complete with a sequined glove and ankle-length slacks, this Franklin Elementary School student
portrayed Michael Jackson, the "King of Pop", during a Black History Program on
Friday, February 26th.

“Michael Jackson” asks contest participants some questions about his life.

Some famous African-American singers, dancers, entertainers, and a legendary basketball star were among the identities assumed by several Franklin Elementary School third-graders during their classroom's recent Black History Program.

Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Nat King Cole, Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Julius Erving, Sammy Davis Jr., Shirley Caesar, and Debbie Allen were all “present” during the special program in Teacher Chavon Phillips’ classroom on Friday, February 26th.

Many of the students who portrayed the celebrities dressed the part and brought in project boards decorated with photos of the famous entertainers. Several of the youngsters took turns at the front of the class and recited biographical information about the person they potrayed.

After each student’s verbal presentation, representatives from two teams competed to be the first to answer questions about the famous person's background.

This girl played the part of dancer, actress and choreographer Debbie Allen.

One student portrayed the late famed “King of Pop” Michael Jackson. Complete with a sequined glove, a hat, and black ankle-length slacks, the youngster rattled off facts about Jackson’s life, family, and career.

Another youngster did not dress the part but relayed some facts about American Basketball Association and National Basketball Association great Julius “Dr. J” Erving.

One female student donned a black-skirted dance leotard as dancer, actress, and choreographer Debbie Allen who also is sister to well-known actress Phylicia Rashad.

Two other girls depicted “The Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin and jazz vocalist Ella Fitzgerald while a third wore some sparkling black spandex leggings and a pair of stylish boots as Michael Jackson’s famous sister, Janet Jackson.

This young lady depicted “The Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin. She
also took time to sing a line from Franklin's popular billboard hit “Respect.”

This student looked stunning in a wig and long, black sequined dress
as she transformed into the “First Lady of Song,” Ella Fitzgerald.

With some sparkling spandex leggings and a pair of stylish boots,
this girl takes on the persona of Michael Jackson's famous
sister, Janet Jackson.