Black History Month

The arrival of February signals the beginning of Black History Month, which honors the sacrifices and contributions of Black people who have helped shape our nation. Recognized throughout the country, this month celebrates the rich cultural heritage, obstacles and accomplishments of Black Americans who are an integral part of history.

Black History month was first introduced in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, an American historian, who is often referred to as the “father of Black History.” Woodson originally envisioned a time period that would fall on the second week of February; during this time, Americans could celebrate and educate themselves on Black History. This specific week was purposely chosen as it coincided with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglass, two prominent men in Black history. Lincoln played a major role in the emancipation of slaves and Douglass was a former slave who is recognized as a distinguished leader in the fight to end slavery. However, in the late 1960s, as a direct result of protests around racial injustice and inequality in the U.S., the celebration was extended to the month recognized across the country today.

STA specifically pays homage to this month through various creative and interactive events organized by the Black Student Coalition (BSC). These events allow students to become involved and learn more about the major importance of Black history.

graduated from STA and worked with the Writing Center at STA, so we were excited about that,” Smith said.

More celebratory events are continuing throughout the month, with the next one coming up on Feb. 23.

“Alvin Ailey Dance troupe is coming for an all-school assembly to celebrate dance,” Smith said. “Later that night, Black Student Coalition is showing “Hidden Figures.” Everyone’s invited; there’s going to be food sold before and we are going to sell tickets for that.”

On Feb. 27, STA will be holding a culture night right after school to conclude the month.

“We’re going to have a fashion show from a minority-owned business and a hair show,” Smith said. “We’re going to hope to have members of The Divine Nine, which are the Black Greek organizations, speak about the importance of those organizations to the African-American community.”

Being the organizers behind the scenes of these events was not easy work, the BSC found.

“The Black Student Coalition takes a lot of pride in sharing things that are unique to their culture but also unify the community, showing that even though a group might have a different background, we can still celebrate.

Nicole Smith

The main theme of the month and events is “Firsts.” Nicole Smith, Director of Equity and Inclusive Education and business instructor, further elaborated on this theme.

“The theme for Black History Month is ‘Firsts,’” Smith said. “We’re going to talk about a lot of firsts: STA firsts, firsts in the United States–just a bunch of firsts.”

Some of these events have already been in motion as, on Feb. 3, a Gospel Choir sang at an all-school Mass. Senior Sydne Sylvan, leader of the BSC, expanded on the intention of this addition to Mass.

“A lot of people don’t see what Black church is really like, unless you actually attend,” Sylvan said. “It gave people a different perspective on the different things that go on in Black churches and how Black churches are so important to Black history.”

Another event held to Honor Black History Month occurred on Feb. 8, when Black Student Coalition members attended a play called “Only One Day a Year.” Smith expressed the importance of this event.

“It’s [the play] written by Michelle Johnson, who actually

“The greatest challenge is trying to get it done in the school day because a lot of people don’t want to come back after school,” Sylvan said. “We’ve been trying to make everything easily accessible during the school day so [students]don’t have to leave and then come back.”

Despite all the challenges, the BSC has worked hard to spread awareness and encourage education throughout this month celebrating Black history and culture.

“I want students to make sure that we remember and honor the sacrifices that many African- Americans have made, not only in February, but all year round,” Sylvan said. “Just to make sure that you remember the importance of Black History Month and the achievements that these people made despite the discrimination they face.”

Smith also encourages this remembrance, along with the power of having genuine conversations.

“The Black Student Coalition takes a lot of pride in sharing things that are unique to their culture but also unify the community showing that even though a group might have a different background, we can still celebrate,” Smith said. “There are ways that we can celebrate together to expand awareness and just to give people an opportunity to talk openly about things in a way that’s not uncomfortable.”B