This year’s Black History Month celebration has included more involvement from African American student-led clubs such as the Black Student Alliance (BSA) and the BOLD (Be Outstanding Leaders of Destiny) club.
In previous years Black History Month has always been organized by staff. Junior Karah McDowell, BSA president, said she is glad this year is being more representative of student interests. Karah said many students have asked to see more traditions for African American culture, and to have events where they can be a part of that.
“I can get ideas from students, especially African American students about what they want to see and experience which is really exciting,” McDowell said.
Brittany Sharitz, librarian, collaborated with BOLD and the BSA to create a display at the front of the library to highlight Black authors and figures. Sharitz, introduced this idea to her students to inspire their creation of the display.
“We wanted to celebrate African American literature and leaders for the things they’ve done during this month,” Sharitz said.
Sharitz said junior Micah Rodgers, vice president of BSA, was in charge of setting up the display to properly highlight certain books he chose from the selection available at the library.
Rodgers said he hopes the club’s efforts will allow for others to learn more about black history.
“The book showcase helped me shed light to black authors, literature and stories. That’s a humbling experience,” Rodgers said.
Behind the display are three posters that create the phrase “Let’s Be Bold!” Members of BOLD contributed to the display to feature strong African American figureheads throughout American History, such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and Rosa Parks.
Along with famous quotes, words such as, driven, rebel, hope, dream, leadership and peace surround the leaders.
Malik Johnson, senior and member of BOLD said all members worked together to create the posters.
“As a group we feel close and connected and we are proud of the posters,” Johnson said.
Recent events have included a bookmark art competition and an art display representing Black artists that is currently viewable in the library.
In the future the BSA hopes to highlight student interests and involvement with events such as a talent show, and a performance by a STEP team which is a form of dance that is a big part of Black culture.
