Search
-
February 19, 2021Walking through the halls of VASJ during the month of February, you’ll spot buttons pinned to students’ shirts and posters on the walls that pay tribute to Black History Month. These small tokens were created by seniors Aneea Holman and Clarke Moore, who wanted to celebrate Black History Month within the school.
“I felt it was our duty to bring awareness to the many accomplishments that the Black community has achieved not just in the past but in the present as well,” Holman said. “I have always loved and cherished Black History Month, and this was a perfect chance to share my love for this month with our school community.”
Together, Holman and Moore planned out activities for students during the course of February. In addition to hanging posters and handing out buttons, the students make announcements every other morning during the school week that give a brief look into the life and achievements of an individual of color. Once a week, a small cutout of a person of color who was featured on the announcements is hidden throughout the school, which students can then search for to win a prize. There is also a dress down day planned that will help support a local nonprofit.
“The dollar collected for the dress down day is going to be sent to Bessie’s Angels, a nonprofit based in Cleveland whose mission is to educate, empower and provide permanent housing to young women who have aged out of foster care,” Moore said.
Moore said she and Holman have laid the groundwork for future students to continue this tradition at VASJ.
“I want African American students who attend VASJ to know they are appreciated and heard,” Moore said. “I hope everyone at VASJ ends this month more educated about Black historical figures. I have done this to lay out a blueprint for my fellow Vikings who come after me. I want them to take these ideas and run with them for years!”
After the month-long celebration comes to an end, Holman said she hopes her classmates learn how much African Americans have contributed to American history.
“I want fellow students to be able to sit and reflect on the past, present and future of the Black community, while also acknowledging that we still have so much work to do in terms of equality,” Holman said. “While I firmly believe that Black history spans way past the length of 28 days, this month is a perfect chance to listen to and acknowledge Black American voices that have been ignored for so much of our country’s history.”
