Tamika Burton uses her talents to push the boundaries of education. In her Black History class, the high school teacher, who teaches Spanish at Collegium Charter School in Exton, not only imparts knowledge in a new language but also brings storylines to life.
Burton told CBS, “For the past three years, I have been dressing up as a different person during Black History Month.”
Last Wednesday, the committed instructor dressed up as Tina Turner. Over the past few days and years, she has also become Bessie Coleman, Joe Louis, and Ella Fitzgerald.
“They had to be extraordinary, crazy, and go against the norm,” she said about these historical figures. “If I can do it to make some kids learn and a few adults, I’m happy,” she told ABC6.
Burton emphasized that it is vital to her to raise awareness of Black historical figures, particularly those who are underappreciated. “It’s so easy to do MLK, maybe Malcolm X and Rosa Parks, when I can do people that they really don’t know,” she said. “It’s definitely had an impact.”
As part of her efforts to involve both kids and teachers, Burton distributes candy to students who can guess who she is, which has become a schoolwide pastime for both students and faculty.
The devoted teacher expressed her hope that her costumes will serve as a reminder of the achievements made by African-American heroes in the past and present to this country, as well as how they continue to inspire people now.
“The main takeaway is the same as it’s been for years that Black history is American history and it should be discussed as often any history is taught. It shouldn’t be relegated to one month and it shouldn’t be relegated to just a class on African American history. It should be interwoven between all the African American courses,” she added.
Burton declared that for as long as she could, she would keep dressing up as African-American historical figures.
