Black History Month: Assistant principal starts program to educate students

A performance honoring black history. Barry Squires, assistant principal at Moore Square Magnet Middle School, choreographed each element.

"It’s really about learning and helping to understand our history," Squires said.

That’s why Squires and fellow teachers created a program to help students understand the central role of blacks in U.S. history.

“Black history is done every day," Squires said. "Sometimes we like to think of it being a single act or great thing that takes place in history, but it’s really people going in there trying to make a difference, trying to make a change that really impacts the lives of others.”

Squires doesn’t stop there. Outside of the classroom, he leads a prison ministry, organizes community health fairs and is the pastor at the Craven County church his late father once led.

"It is a 2 hour, 15 minute drive, 2.5 hours on the weekends and on Wednesday nights for Bible study," Squires said. “It was my dad’s work, and I did feel like it was my legacy."

Those who work with Squires say he exemplifies leadership.

“He’s selfless in every way," said Jacqueline Jordan, principal at Moore Square Magnet. "Every minute of every day of the week — he’s doing something for someone else and I don’t know anybody like that.”

That selfless dedication is why we are honoring Barry Squires with our 2020 Celebrating Black History Month Award.

"This is absolutely amazing, absolutely amazing," Squires said. "Thank you so very much."