Free innovative virtual experiences to educate and empower students during Black History Month

(Black PR Wire) Beginning February 1st, millions of students across the country will have the opportunity to learn about Black history through Microsoft’s Legacy Project featuring eight virtualized museum tours; a virtual walk through the Greenwood District of Tulsa; more than 20 Black History Book readings for elementary school students and fireside chats with the Tulsa Massacre survivors and Civil Rights hero, Attorney Fred Gray.  Content exploration also highlights the continent of Africa and Blacks in Canada.  

The Legacy Project’s virtual museum experience will also honor more than 100 of today’s tech innovators, activists, athletes, entertainers, and business leaders including Rosalind Brewer, Channing Dungey, Sterling K. Brown, John Legend, and the Late John Lewis.   

“I’m incredibly proud of this year’s program because we get the privilege of exposing students all over the world to the importance of Black history,” says Shy Averett, senior manager of Microsoft’s Diversity & Inclusion Community Program. “Through the Legacy Project we are showing them that Black history isn’t limited to the past. It’s alive and well, and they, too, play a part.” 

In its second year, Microsoft launched the Legacy Project during the pandemic to ensure there was access to information. The Legacy Project is a one-of-a-kind online museum that incorporates virtual content from Black history museums and readings that celebrate the Black experience. 

Last year’s program impacted more than 1 million students from the United States, Canada, and Africa. 

The other Legacy Project initiatives include: 

• A look at Nelson Mandela’s fight against apartheid in South Africa. 
• Rosa Parks’ role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, where she took a seat to stand against sitting in the rear or “colored section” of city busses. 
• An exploration of the continent of Africa at the Wonders of Africa Gallery. 

“Through the Legacy Project we are showing children that Black history isn’t limited to the past. It’s alive and well, and they, too, play a part,” Averett says. “Children really are the future and this learning opportunity allows them to hear from voices of the past, present and future.” 

“Access to experiences like this inspire children to make decisions that help them create the type of world they want to live in” Averett says. “With schools limiting Black history in the classrooms, I’m encouraged that teachers and students worldwide have already signed up to tour the Legacy Project.” 

Microsoft’s Legacy Project, which is geared toward K-12 students, is free as part of Microsoft’s Legacy Project to celebrate Black History Month. Classes, schools or groups of 20 or more participants may register for the events at https://aka.ms/BHM2022-RSVP. For event details visit https://aka.ms/BHM2022. 

To request interviews, media may contact Sandra Ware at (248) 417-2709 or Sandra@poweredtodream.com. 

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