Milwaukee elementary school students immerse themselves in Black History Month

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- As we celebrate Black History Month, CBS 58 visited a Milwaukee school where the students are stepping into the shoes of famous and historic African Americans. 

Maple Tree Elementary held its annual Black History Wax Museum on Friday, Feb. 11. The 5th graders were on hand to present their displays, artifacts, and speeches. Many students also dressed up as the person they researched. 

It's all in an effort to immerse the students in Black history and make it more engaging. 

"When they find something out about them they'll either come to myself or [another teacher] and tell us what they've just learned. And you can see how their eyes are lit up and they're just so excited learning about that person," said Katrina Patterson, emerging educator at Maple Tree Elementary. 

Families, staff and many other students visited the event as well.