JR’s Black Student Union: celebrating culture and history
Javier Tompson Opinions Editor
For over 50 years, the Jackson-Reed Black Student Union (BSU) has been bringing African American students together, cultivating a safe space where students feel free to express themselves. Aimed at celebrating Black culture and history, senior president Kailynn Jones works to create an environment “where you can find true culture and meaning behind every Black person at JR.”
Fellow BSU president and senior Khari Bell expressed that her and Jones see the club members as a unit that works together as one. Instead of independently controlling every aspect, the presidents communicate with club members to discuss the group’s desired outcomes. At their weekly Wednesday meetings in the library, the BSU talks about topics ranging from politics to economics to beauty and, as Jones puts it, “anything under the
Tsun.” They also take time to learn about Black history, including field trips to various museums and historical sites around DC.
The BSU has specific plans for Black History Month. Each
year in February, classroom doors across the school are adorned with decorations representing different Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Highlighting another aspect of HBCU culture, the club intends to have a day solely focused on the Divine Nine fraternities and sororities, which are historically African American Greek life
organizations that are governed by the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Bell noted that many students within the Black community at JR are considering HBCUs for college.
The BSU is also planning an arts fair where Black students can write poetry, present their music, and display their art. The fair aims to bring together the work of Black students and highlight them for the general JR population to see.
Lastly, for the upcoming pep rally, the BSU will help introduce the winter sports teams as they run into the auxiliary gym. Students can also enjoy line dancing at select lunches in February, which the BSU will sponsor in the atrium!
The BSU has a variety of exciting plans lined up for Black History Month, offering something for everyone. Don't miss out on these opportunities to get involved and celebrate! •
e history of desegregation at Wilson High School
Jessica McCallum Style Editor
Founded in 1935, Woodrow Wilson High School was an allwhite public high school built across the street from a recently demolished Black neighborhood. Now named Jackson-Reed, our building has decades of racial history and is currently home to a diverse group of around 2,000 students who take pride in JacksonReed’s accepting mindset.
Originally called Tennallytown, this area was developed in the late 1700s and is one of the oldest neighborhoods in DC. During the Civil War, Tennallytown was home to Union forces after Fort Reno was built in 1861 to communicate with nearby troops and protect the city. After the war, Reno City was built on the former fort, containing about 100 homes, several stores, and a church. A racially integrated neighborhood, Reno City was about 75% Black and 25% white.
In 1903, the Jesse Reno School was built as a kindergarten through eighth grade school for Black Reno residents.
After a 1922 Congress evaluation declared DC public schools overcrowded and neighboring white residents protested to have Reno City demolished, Alice Deal Middle School and Woodrow Wilson High School were set to be built.
Woodrow Wilson High School officially opened September 23, 1935 as an all-white school named after the 28th US president known for his international peace initiatives and racist national policies.
A pair of Supreme Court decisions laid the groundwork for integration. In 1954, after several lawsuits against segregated school boards, the landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case passed—a decision instrumental to civil rights. Brown v. Board ruled that segregation
in schools was unconstitutional under the 14th Amendment, which provides that “equal protection of the laws” must be ensured regardless of race, sex, or any other discriminants. After the Bolling v. Sharpe Supreme Court case that ruled segregation in DC schools unconstitutional, six of DC’s seven all-white high schools accepted Black students for the first time in the fall of 1954. Wilson hired their two frst Black teachers that same fall: Edna Burke Jackson, our now school namesake, and her colleague Archie Lucas. It wasn’t until 1955, however, that Wilson, the last school not compliant with desegregation rulings, enrolled their frst two Black students.
Edna Jackson graduated as valedictorian from Dunbar High School in 1928, one of DC’s allBlack public high schools. She graduated from Howard University and started her teaching career at an all-Black high school in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she taught for six
years before moving back to DC to teach at Cardozo, a then all-Black high school in DC, for 15 years. In 1954, Jackson joined the staff at Wilson where she stayed until her retirement in 1976.
Brown v. Board of Education ruling shifted demographics both at the school and across the city. Te DC population went from 65% white in 1950 to majority Black in 1960 as white residents began moving to the suburbs. Wilson too experienced a similar shift as it began integrating.
Teachers who have worked at Jackson-Reed for a long time have noted the demographic shift even over the past decade. Health teacher Rebecca Bradshaw-Smith pointed out that there was “a huge shift between 65 or 70% AfricanAmerican in 2010, when [she] got here,” to now. Currently JacksonReed is one of DC’s most diverse schools, with our student body being 28% Black, 26% Hispanic, 36% white, 5% Asian, and 5%
mixed race. Despite our diverse student body, many aspects of our school don't accurately represent this diversity, such as some clubs or sports.
Health teacher Lejanika Green discussed the change in professional development regarding implicit racial biases with the change in demographics. “Depending on the demographics of the teachers in comparison to the demographic of our students, some students may be labeled as being more problematic or having behavior issues just because of the diference of culture,” she explained. As the school’s racial composition constantly evolves and Jackson-Reed continues to see both adversary and inclusion every day, it’s important that we not only adapt but remain an open-minded and accepting school working towards equality. While JR’s history cannot be changed, it can be a place to mark not only our progress but that of the country. •
bLaCk hIsToRy
Chevy Chase landmark: Lafayette-Pointer Park
Caroline Reilly Junior Editor
Home to Lafayette Elementary, Lafayette Park in Chevy Chase, DC has been a neighborhood staple for nearly a century. Yet, its true history was buried under development until recently, when it was renamed Lafayette-Pointer Park to honor Captain George Pointer—a formerly enslaved man who became an engineer and played a crucial role in shaping the region. The renaming recognizes both Pointer’s contributions and the painful displacement of Black families like his.
Born into slavery in 1773, Pointer worked on George Washington’s Potomac Company project,
earning enough by age 19 to buy his freedom. He then contributed to the construction of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, and later purchased two acres in what is now Chevy Chase, where his family lived for nearly 80 years. Te house was passed down among generations until 1911, when the federal government seized the land via eminent domain to build Lafayette School, an all-white institution. The family was forced to sell the house for far below its value—a common injustice against Black landowners at the time.
For years, the Pointer’s family story was erased. In the early 2000s however, historians Barbara Boyle Torrey and Clara Myrick Green uncovered an 1829 letter from Pointer detailing his canal work. Tis
discovery led them to James Fisher, a seventh-generation descendant who had no idea his ancestors once owned the land beneath Lafayette Park. In 2015, Fisher and his partner Tanya Hardy held a family reunion there, raising awareness about their lost history.
Momentum for change grew in 2020 when Lafayette Elementary students learned of the Pointer family’s displacement. Inspired, members of the S.P.A.R.K. Club (Students Planning A Revolution of Kindness) launched a letterwriting campaign urging o rename the park and install historical markers. Teir eforts, alongside local activists like Tim Hannapel, led to over 550 petition signatures and the successful renaming of the park.
The voice that sang at the Lincoln Memorial
Ivonne
Nakatoke
Contributor
On Easter Sunday, April 9, 1939. Marian Anderson was shook. Over 75,000 pairs of eyes and ears stood behind her. Her greatest spot. Her biggest swell of determination. Behind her, the 19-foot-tall statue of Abraham Lincoln, a symbol of unity and equality. The moment was far more significant than she was, but she knew her presence could be louder.
“Sometimes, you cannot help but wonder why God places such obstacles in our path. But if the pathway [was] smooth,
perhaps we would not grow,” Anderson once said. Weeks prior, she wouldn't have expected this moment; the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) had just denied her a chance to sing at Constitution Hall because of her race. Due to her large presence on the national stage, it didn’t take long for this news to reach Eleanor Roosevelt, who once said that “the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” And it was Roosevelt who arranged the outdoor concert where Anderson showed the DAR what American excellence sounds like: a Black voice.
The sounds of the piano's
Te resilient
Kalpana Shipler Junior Editor
On a night in April 1848, Amelia and Paul Edmonson and 75 other enslaved residents of the Washington DC area boarded the ship Pearl, setting sail for the Chesapeake Bay in search of freedom. Hope filled the air as the Pearl silently glided through the water, but the feeling was short-lived.
Armed enslavers had heard about this attempted escape and, as the boat approached the Chesapeake Bay, they seized
opening chord grounded her in the moment. On the National Mall, Anderson closed her eyes and summoned her strength and talent—her rare voice. The rich contralto poured out, "My country, 'Tis of Thee," exploring the range of rich vocals and tones calling for inclusion. Sweet land of liberty, indeed.
As the crowd stood completely silent, as her voice drew attention to the front, as her song waved through the air, her notes resonated in millions of hearts. As her call ended and her fnal note faded, applause erupted from the crowd. Anderson stepped back, a heart full of
story of the Mt. Pleasant Plains Cemetery
the Pearl. Taken and sold, the enslaved passengers arrived in New Orleans and the crew members went to jail. Later, Amelia Edmonson and her two sons who had also been aboard the Pearl were laid to rest at Mt. Pleasant Plains Cemetery, now known as Walter Pierce Park.
To many, Walter Pierce Park is just a community gathering place, but what many don’t know is that this land is a resting place for African Americans and Quakers. There were around 8,400 settlers buried there, including Black soldiers and key players in the Underground
Railroad.
In the 1800s, a Quaker named Jonathan Shoemaker owned the land. Future president John Quincy Adams bought part of the land and his heirs sold seven acres to the Colored Union Benevolent Association, resulting in the cemetery.
The cemetery hosted funerals, where horse-drawn carriages carried the departed, bands played music, and mourners paid their respects. By the mid-1800s, the cemetery averaged around 500 burials a year. Nearly 60% of the people
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e Spirit of Freedom: Remembering Civil War heroes
proof of those who dedicated their lives to fight for not just their freedom, but for future generations. Although I’ve never met them, it is powerful to know that people in your bloodline helped fight for this. While the Civil War was already personal to me, this made it even more so.
African American history honors the struggles, sacrifices, and triumphs of African ght for equality and justice in the United States. e Spirit of Freedom Memorial highlights key moments, from
slavery and emancipation to the civil rights movement and beyond, symbolizing the resilience of Black communities in their pursuit of liberty. By honoring their efforts, the memorial emphasizes the role African Americans have played in shaping the nation’s commitment to freedom, while reminding us of the work needed to achieve these ideals.
The name, chosen by the monument’s creator Ed Hamilton, gives the memorial a greater influence. “Spirit of Freedom”
is simple yet significant. The word "spirit" symbolizes the unbreakable determination of those who fought for freedom, while "freedom" highlights the goal of emancipation and equality. Together, the name honors the efforts of African Americans throughout history, emphasizing that the pursuit of freedom is ongoing and transcends generations. It captures resilience and the continued fght for a more just society. •
Carter G. Woodson: Father of Black History
“Truth comes down to us from the past, then like gold washed down
I run my fingers along the inscription, a quote from Carter G. Woodson, known as the Father of African American History, etched along the back of the curved stone. Dogwalkers and Sunday brunch dates pass. Is it nothing to them? I look at the bronze and think about the truth of Black history in DC. I think of all the Black lives forgotten to history. A history was stolen from them, kept from them— stories, lives, bodies, language, culture
There was a time when folks
gathered for meetings at the house across the street. In attempt to share histories, Negro Week was launched, which eventually established itself into Black History Month. Black History Month is the one official month of the year people refect on the contributions Black Americans brought upon the United States.
Just a week to celebrate the life and legacy of African Americans? Although four weeks may be better than none, it is not enough. I think of the many Black individuals who helped shape Black History, and don’t understand why there is an issue with really acknowledging ‘Black History.’
As time goes on, people try to erase Black History because they feel it isn’t important to American History. When people are faced with the true realities of American History, it becomes an uncomfortable situation and a form of guilt which is what many people despise feeling.
We still aren’t respected enough or even taken seriously the way Woodson would want us to be.
As time progresses, we realize the legacy Woodson and many others left behind. Woodson’s house is a symbol of American history due to all of the radical research and constant activism that took place there. The many contributions made within his house help provide a comprehensive view of American history and the struggle and portrayal of African Americans throughout time. At one point in life, his house was a place of research and writing. Now, it is part of a huge cultural movement which still calls for justice and recognition of Black history.
A story or narrative can change the momentum of our history as a whole, and can strengthen one’s society. Te stories Woodson wrote inside of his DC home changed lives over the course of many generations. •
e past, present, and future of RFK Stadium
stadium, it tells a different story than the one that illustrates the stadium as a centerpiece of DC
Up until 1996, the Washington Commanders used to play their home games at RFK stadium. They were also the last NFL team to integrate, outraging activists and Washingtonians alike. George Preston Marshall, the original team owner, said he would add Black players only “when the Harlem Globetrotters start signing whites.” This spurred resistance, and protests erupted outside the stadium demanding for integration. Of the many voices shouting for change, the
loudest was President John F. Kennedy. In 1961, he launched a program making the federal government more inclusive, hiring Interior Secretary Stewart Udall to aid him in his efforts. A native of DC, Udall set his sights on integrating the team, emphasizing that the team’s practice was telling the capital that segregation was “acceptable.”
Udall’s plan rested on intimidation. In order to force Marshall’s hand, he gave him an ultimatum: either integrate the Commanders or find somewhere else to play. So, after going 1-9-2 the previous season, the team
signed African American wide receiver and halfback Bobby Mitchell, marking the end of the Commanders’ segregated history.
This was an incredibly impactful move for the city. Thanks to Udall and JFK, the Commanders now served as the true face of DC to families and communities alike.
The stadium used to be rented by the Commanders from the federal government, but has recently been returned to the city. The future of DC football is finally going to return to Washington DC, continuing the legacy of this momentous stadium. •
Honoring Black History Month in DC
Maddie
Nusbaum Junior Editor
African American history and culture are essential parts of Washington DC’s identity, meaning that there are many diferent opportunities available in the city to celebrate Black History Month. From museums at the mall to concerts retelling valuable stories, the ways to commemorate Black history are plentiful. Here are a couple of suggestions to help you honor this important month: Of the Mall Tours: History of Black Georgetown Walking Tour
Georgetown is celebrating Black History Month by hosting
tours for DC residents to learn more about the deep African American history of the area. Tis tour highlights the stories of the previously large Black population in Georgetown, and those who left their mark on the neighborhood. Come learn more about the many ways that African Americans have elevated this historic area on February 15.
African American History
Museum
One way to celebrate and deepen your understanding of Black history this month is by visiting the African American History Museum located on the National Mall. Trough numerous thought-provoking exhibits, rare
collections, and interactive media, this powerful museum documents the life, history, and culture of African American individuals. Each level represents a diferent chronological era of Black History to allow visitors to gain a deep understanding of Black history. Free, timed-entry tickets are available throughout the entire month of February, so anyone can explore this landmark.
BLACK HISTORY LIVE!
Tis event, hosted by the River of Life Church just outside of DC, commemorates important Black fgures through live performances, interactive exhibits, and engaging presentations. Trough a variety of historic music, art, and dance,
individuals have the opportunity to learn more about the rich cultural heritage of the Black community. Mark your calendars for February 15 so you don’t miss such a valuable chance to engage in Black culture.
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
The National Air and Space Museum offers a unique experience to learn more about the amazing accomplishments of African Americans in the aviation and space felds. Here you can fnd videos and programs detailing the heroic stories of Bessie Coleman, the first Black woman to earn a pilot's license, Mae Jemison, the
frst Black woman to go to space, and many other African American trailblazers. The National Air and Space Museum is a strong reminder of the crucial role African Americans have played in the history of aviation and is defnitely worth checking out. Whether you are taking a historic tour of Washington DC or are learning about the contributions of influential Black figures, the ways to learn more about Black history in DC give us Washingtonians ample opportunities to celebrate Black History Month. Make the most of this historic month by participating in a variety of diferent activities throughout the city! •
DIVERSITY IN AP CLASSROOMS
Frances Leibovich Director of Art and Design
In honor of Black History Month, Te Beacon conducted a classroom survey throughout JR, inquiring about the diversity of AP classes and student experiences. According to the Civil Rights Data
Collection, Black students enroll in AP courses at rates that aren’t comparable to that of their white and Asian peers and experience less success when enrolled in one.
This survey received responses from 219 students, representing over 10% of the student body. Of these responses,
53% were white, 16% were Black, 8% were Hispanic, 7% were Asian, and 16% identifed as mixed race.
As shown in the data above, the average amount of AP classes Black students are enrolled in is 1.9, as opposed to white students’ average of 3.1.
When asked how JR should
combat this issue of diversity in AP classrooms, one student recommended: “Encourage an educational environment that healthily pushes students to enroll in higher level classes regardless of ethnic background.” Another student added that JR can better “support minority students in
freshman/sophomore year” and encourages creating a “students in APs diversity committee.”
Most students enrolled in AP courses reported feeling generally comfortable in these classes, suggesting that the JR community is nonetheless supportive and welcoming. •
