Students, teachers, and staff gathered to hear inspiring talks from Black military veterans and Medal of Valor recipients, including James Bernard Evans, a Purple Heart Vietnam veteran, and his friend John Johnson, who shared stories of courage, perseverance, and significant places from their experiences.
Music filled the air as Stephanie Jones, a Mokler teacher, sang the Black National Anthem and honored Black history with a stirring performance. She was accompanied by her son, Francois Dean, a talented keyboardist and artist, who performed timeless classics made famous by Louis Armstrong and Stevie Wonder—including the uplifting hit “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)”!
This celebration reflects Paramount Unified’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and empowering learning environment, where students gain a deeper understanding of diverse histories and voices—aligning with our Mission and Vision to cultivate engaged, knowledgeable, and compassionate learners who celebrate and uplift one another.
A heartfelt thank you to all who made this event special, especially Stephanie Jones for her beautiful performance and dedication to the Mokler community, and to Francois Dean for his musical contributions!