February is Black History Month and 2018 has been another year University High School let this celebration pass without much acknowledgement. Now this wouldn’t seem like such a problem; however, University takes time to notice the other minority groups: Asians have Asian Club, Hispanics have Spanish Club and Hispanic Heritage Month, but what does UHS do to recognize the black students in the school?
“Honestly, I feel that there isn’t enough being done for this month. Not only is it the shortest month of the year, it’s also neglected. I haven’t seen or heard any class do any assignment in reference to Black History Month.” said junior Naomi Barbosa.
“This month could be better recognized if teachers could make assignments that highlight the best of black history and culture.”
Black History Month is a month used to remember all of the fights, sacrifices, and achievements of black people. It is more than slavery, it is more than Martin Luther King Jr., it is more than Rosa Parks.
“In school, they teach us all about legendary white historical figures and demand they are incorporated in our curriculum, as they are ‘vital to the history of this country’; but they are many influential black people who deserve to be in our textbooks” said sophomore Aarielle Gipson.
We should show more appreciation towards black people and the things they have done. They have amazing cultures and inventions. Many things we use everyday: traffic lights, locks, hair brushes, fire extinguishers, the list goes on.
There is black history everywhere. In fact, about half an hour away from University, is a town called Eatonville, which is one of the very first all-black towns in all of the United States. But they don’t teach students about that.
They don’t teach students about black people’s accomplishments in class. It seems like all we talk about is how black people were mistreated and oppressed, however we never really talk about how they overcome that; which seems important to recognize, especially during Black History Month.
“If we are going to celebrate Black History Month we should be able to effectively do something in the community and actually hold events and give back to black communities.” said sophomore Nahomy Nelson.
In order to better acknowledge black people at school, UHS should have some sort of Black Student Union or something for them. A group specifically made to make sure black people represented, a group made to make sure that not another Black History Month goes by without being properly recognized and acknowledged.
Written By: Namari Lock