Author Pearl Cleage Visits St. Thomas More Catholic School

By Heather McElroy

We were so fortunate to have Pearl Cleage, an  Atlanta based writer, professor at Spelman College and activist, visit St. Thomas More Catholic School Feb. 16 to speak with our students. 

Ms. Cleage delighted the audience by reciting "We Speak Your Names", the poetic celebration commissioned by Oprah Winfrey to honor African American women.   After she read her poem, she engaged the children in a question and answer session. 

While answering the students' questions, she enouraged them to write, to remember that "we're all connected", and to "be involved in the life of your country."   

Following the Q&A, the seventh grade STM women presented a short film they created to honor "The Legends", some of the African American women throughout history who've made significant contributions to society, including Ms. Cleage.