Using a term originally coined by Martin Luther King Jr., Principal Martin Woods led an assembly on Jan. 8 during Lab B in Gordon Parks Arts Hall centered around the idea of the “Beloved Community” — one that highlighted student voices and unsung heroes, and announced new community-building initiatives.
During the assembly, representatives from the Black Students’ Association and the Students with Disabilities Association each presented historical figures that represent their identity. Each figure worked to build a more inclusive world through allyship.
Jonah Austen, Black Students’ Association co-president, presented about three figures, one of whom was Rabbi Arnold Jacob Wolf, a Chicago-area rabbi who worked with Dr. King and later led a congregation in Hyde Park. Jonah was excited about the opportunity to speak to the community and appreciates Mr. Woods’ ongoing support.
“ I was super excited when he reached out to Unity Council, and I knew it was an opportunity I wanted to go and do, and to get the chance to talk in an assembly,” Jonah said.
Mr. Woods also honored three people with the Beloved Community Award: senior Maya Livni, history teacher Holly Johnston and food service worker Ariel Williams, who works in The Grind and Café Lab.
Mr. Woods then brought on stage Eric Williams, the founder and owner of the Silver Room, to announce a T-shirt design contest. The winning design will be sold at the Silver Room.
“As you build culture and build community, pride is a really big factor in that,” Mr. Woods said in an interview. “It’s very important, so I’m hoping that it will garner a little more school pride for you all. I’m gonna wear the shirt proudly, whatever shirt he designs. I want you all to feel proud of your school.”
Finally, Mr. Woods announced a community basketball tournament to be held at U-High in April. This event will be two days long and combine U-High’s girls and boys basketball teams with other high school teams in Hyde Park. One day of the program will be dedicated to athletes building connections and the other to athletes’ wellness. Students will be able to watch the game on Saturday, April 11.
Mr. Woods is enthusiastic about the idea of Beloved Community and is excited to be more involved with students directly in the future.
“At every school that I’ve been at, I’ve tried to implement certain components of the Beloved Community, just because I think it’s an easy, accessible idea,” Mr. Woods said. “It’s not threatening. The concept is not to make anyone feel bad. It’s really to uplift, and so I’m just happy that we’re able to launch it, and I’m hoping that the school will embrace it.”
