It came down to “Final Jeopardy” at Helen Y. Davis Leadership Academy Charter Public School last month as students vied for the championship of the school’s Black History Showdown. All three teams answered correctly: Mae Carol Jemison was the first Black female astronaut. but “The Icons” came away with the victory, having earned more points than “The Ninja Turtles” and “The Unnamed.”

The Showdown is an intra-school competition modeled after “Jeopardy,” with questions relevant to the school’s culturally responsive curriculum, including topics like arts and culture, sports, science, geography, and history.

The Fields Corner Academy (DLA) sets itself apart from traditional public middle schools by modeling its academic programming and school culture in the spirit of Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU’s). DLA provides culturally supportive and responsive programs designed to help students develop a strong cultural sense of self, and an understanding of the important achievements of people of color.

“The Unnamed” celebrate a 1,000-point correct answer, while “The Icons” (middle) and “The Ninja Turtles” applaud. Seth Daniel photos

4 “The Icons” - winners of the Black History Showdown - celebrate success.