LabScapes, born out of the annual Flava Fest, is comprised of three different segments; all three have the same purpose of fostering discussions around topics of diversity, identity, and community. In the first segment of the day, students will participate in small group activities and discussions led by peer facilitators. The second segment is the featured event of the day—a screening of the documentary The Prep School Negro and a Q&A session with the creator/writer/director. This documentary follows filmmaker André Robert Lee as he reflects on his experiences growing up in the high-needs area of West Philadelphia and the identity struggles he faced when he made the decision to attend the prestigious Germantown Friends Academy on scholarship. The closing segment will be a panel discussion with Laboratory Schools’ alumni who will share their diverse experiences at Lab that contributed to their sense of self.
LabScapes is a day-long diversity workshop planned and coordinated by U-High students who attended the Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) sponsored by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). Last school year, the Flava Fest student committee presented a proposal to the High School faculty asking that Flava Fest be moved to a school day with a requirement of mandatory attendance for U-High students. The student committee members believe that discussions of diversity issues and community should be something in which all U-High students engage, not simply those who self-select to attend the event. Following the approval of the High School faculty, Flava Fest was renamed LabScapes to reflect the event's renewed purpose and structure.
Labscapes promises to be an exciting and reflective event for all who participate. Additionally, Lab’s Parents’ Association will be hosting a screening and Q&A session of The Prep School Negro on Thursday, November 18, at 7 p.m. in Judd 126 for all parents who may be interested in viewing the film. Mr. Lee, the filmmaker, will be present.
Any questions about LabScapes should be directed to Educational Programs Director Jason Lopez or to U-High Principal Matthew Horvat.
Download a copy of the LabScapes schedule