This last Friday, our school had a sustainability-forward day. Durham Academy trudged through rain and shine to plant trees in Hillside Park. My school partnered with Keep Durham Beautiful to help this tree depleted park have better air and water quality and extra shade.

Going into the history of Hillside, this place was the first high school in Durham to educate black students in 1922. Before, all education for black students stopped in junior high at Whitted. Hillside Park was also home to the Algonquin Club, which was a social club and community center for black residents. This club hosted tennis tournaments, and the famous Athena Gibson even played there. The Algonquin Club also held meetings for the Durham Committee on Negro Affairs, which is now the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People. After 1964, this park turned into more of a recreation center and is still located at this historic place. Overall, this is an important place for the citizens of Durham, and it is an honor to help and improve it by planting trees.

Adding on to planting trees, the 6th grade made videos that will soon inform the middle school about topics like safe water, air, and tree deforestation. My group talked about reasons why trees may struggle to thrive. Who knew that a few little bugs could ruin the growth of a young tree? I believe this knowledge will lead to action, and this was an important day. Tell me what you learned in the comment box, or what you think about this day. Thank you for reading and learning with my school and me!