On February 11, parents, students, and faculty gathered for Breakfast My Way, honoring Black History Month. The breakfast was hosted by LaTanya Phelps, mother of Ridwan in the Yellow Cluster, with soul food provided by Melba’s Restaurant. Quotes by famous Black figures from history decorated the North Cafeteria, channeling inspiration to those in attendance.
Stella Mulatu, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Gaynor, began the breakfast by introducing the origin of Black History Month and why it’s so important to celebrate it every February. She noted that Black History Month began as “Negro History Week,” founded by Carter G. Woodson to promote the teaching of Black history, before being expanded into a full month. 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of Negro History Week. “What’s incredible to me about that legacy is that it opened the door for all of the other cultural months, heritage months, history months that followed,” she said. And Breakfast My Way has been a wonderful way for the Gaynor community to celebrate those months!
LaTanya then introduced herself and Ridwan, and their special guests, Ridwan’s grandmother and sister. It was a wonderful moment to hear from three generations of the Haynes-Phelps family about what Black History Month means to them. Ridwan’s grandmother, Dr. Ruth Anne Haynes, spoke about their family’s heritage. “Whenever we had Negro History Week, that was a part of our culture. But now it’s different because we have so many different nationalities in our family; we have Spanish, we have Black, we have Caucasian, and we’re very proud of all of them,” she said. “Looking at the kids, it’s awesome. We’ve learned to appreciate all [the different] parts of our family.”
LaTanya also expressed her thanks to Gaynor for helping Ridwan so much in only his first year at the school, saying “He has found his voice here.” This was only further demonstrated by Ridwan adding his thoughts to his family’s presentation between speakers, and causing the whole room to erupt in laughter!
It was a special moment to have three generations of the hosting family at Breakfast My Way, and also special for Ridwan’s class to hear from their classmate about an important aspect of his life outside of school. This breakfast was full of laughter, community, and heart, as attendees snacked on fried chicken, waffles, and sweet potatoes in a warm and comforting meal.
Breakfast My Way is an event sponsored by the Parents’ Association DEI Committee that brings parents together to learn about the breakfast traditions, holidays, and cultures of their fellow Gaynor families. To read more about previous Breakfast My Ways, click here.
