Black history month is dedicated to honor and celebrate the achievements of Black Americans, recognizing their dedication and hard work. Throughout the U.S and Canada, Black history month is celebrated in February. Many other countries such as the U.K., Ireland, and the Netherlands celebrate black history month in October. At Anderson High School, Black history month can be celebrated by educating students and teaching them facts about Black Americans. Since the beginning of February, officers from the student council have been sharing fun facts about Black History Month over the announcements every morning and afternoon.
Alongside her teaching facts, AHS student Jasmine Williams, is very supportive when it comes to Black History Month. She created a program for students at AHS to reflect and learn about the impact Black Americans had and continue to have on America. Williams believes that the month isn’t celebrated enough, and how students stopped learning about it in elementary school. “I originally thought of how the black history program was for elementary school. I realized in middle school and high school we don’t have those types of programs,” Williams stated. She wanted older students to experience the same education and celebration younger students often receive.
A few days before the program was supposed to happen, Alan Landes, the principal at Anderson High School stated that the event was canceled due to “circumstances”. When asked to elaborate on the matter, neither Williams or Landes responded to requests for comment.
The program would have consisted of visuals and literature, such as a dance routine and multiple speeches given by many students, encouraging them to participate, not just watch. She hoped that the event would be memorable and for the students to enjoy it,”I just hope everyone enjoys the program.” Williams had the idea of hosting an event like this for some time, “I have been preparing for this ever since February,” she said. Alongside the event, she put together most of the Black History facts for the announcements “I add on a little more, you know, so it’s kind of like more interesting facts.” Feeling like she could do more, Williams even created spirit days for the last week of February.
Having the support of multiple people such as deans and teachers at school, she could make more progress than she could alone. “Yes I have had a lot of help with everything, Ms. Currie, Ms. Alexandria, Mrs. Adams, and Mr. Landes have been amazing.”
Whenever Williams began to set up these kinds of events, she had people to support her. “I think people and my parents are more proud of me than I am of myself actually,” Williams stated. Another person who is proud of her is William’s grandma, Joyce Williams, who also created a Black History Month program while she was in school. “My grandma is a big inspiration. She has been giving me pointers and likes how to present myself to the admin when I ask for things.” In the past, Joyce Williams had an event similar to a gospel choir, receiving many awards for her commitment to her culture.
The spirit days still happened, though some days were reviewed. “I had pushback on certain days of the spirit week and things that are going to be in the program.” The Tuesday of the spirit week that was to dress with inspiration from black style, which was flagged for fear of students imitating blackface. Even though it was cancelled, Williams still was proud of herself for having pushed the program so far, “I’m really proud of myself for trying to push for the Black history program.”
Despite her program being abandoned by the school it doesn’t mean her efforts were completely unsuccessful. She still managed to be a change in the school and celebrate the culture. She hopes that her program inspires other students to do the same and celebrate their culture. Williams states, “We have a very diverse school and I feel like that should be celebrated.”
