Black History Month is when we pay tribute to the heroes and heroines of U.S. history and recognize the vast contributions they’ve made to American culture. This will undoubtedly be known as a historical year; we’re enduring a pandemic that has killed 490,000 people — a disproportionate number of them Black Americans. A movement for racial justice that drove thousands to protest for months and so much more. We wanted to ensure we took time to amplify Black voices, specifically those of our very own teachers and staff, showcase their stories, listen, and celebrate Black excellence and triumph. So we asked our SYF leaders questions to share their reflections on Black History Month.
First, we hear from Syreeta, a Node Leader with Simon Youth Academy at The Mills of Jersey Gardens & Raymond J. Lesniak Recovery High School, A Simon Youth Academy.
What individual inspires you or do you believe is important to highlight for Black History Month?
Many individuals inspire me, but I will have to choose Michelle Obama. She represents the power and strength of Black women. Her humble beginnings growing up in Chicago gives light to her resilience and tenacity to become who she is. Michelle was able to use education to change her circumstances, honoring those who came before her and herself by living up to her full potential. She represents courage through her ability to carry many roles in her personal and professional life. She is noteworthy, as she has created a platform and is a visual representation of progress for this generation of women.
Are there any Black-owned Businesses that you would like to highlight?
I will highlight businesses of people that I know personally, but I support many.
Black Pain Apparel is a clothing line paying homage to African Americans’ journey, fighting systems of oppression, giving light to where we are today.
New Steps, LLC – Dr. Sconiers is a licensed therapist who runs a program called Mental Hop. He is on the ground doing mental health workshops for our youth, using culturally relevant materials and instruction to help erase mental health stigma and allowing students a platform for expression. He addresses the challenging topics and current events that students are exposed to via social media and real life.
Chi Moda Yoga brings yoga and meditation to inner-city youth, educating them on overall wellness benefits.
Did you learn anything new about history in the Black community this year?
I’ve learned more in-depth that the economic system in this country built on the backs and labor of Black slaves was not designed to give equitable access to opportunities for Black people. This is grounded in antiquated ideologies that must shift, policies that must change, and an educational system that must be honest about how history has affected our present. All of those systems combined lend to the overarching, pervasive culture that the lives of some are more valuable than others (just because of skin color), and it is reinforced in our systems, ideologies, and the mindsets of BIPOC’s, breeding the disparities in this country. I do believe that positive changes are on the horizon.
Are there any black public figures who have spoken out about education that inspire you?
I’m broadening the context of education, as I believe the knowledge in a variety of areas (in and out of school) is essential.
I’ll start with Tamika Mallory; she is a social justice leader on the ground level picking up where Dr. King and others alike left off, fighting against racial justice and inequalities. Her work has been highlighted recently in the wake of many disgraceful acts against young men and women of color. She continues to give a voice to the voiceless, demanding an end to oppressive systems that adversely and disproportionately affect BIPOC’s.
Dr. Eddie Glaude, Jr; is an author and Princeton Professor of African American Studies.
LeBron James is leveraging his platform to highlight the importance of quality education.
Geoffrey Canada is an educator, author, and social activist. He’s the president of Harlem Children’s Zone.
Sharif Elnahal, the CEO of Rutgers Newark University Hospital, is vocal about getting the Black community educated about COVID in NJ (testing, vaccines, and equitable access).
Angela Rye, a lawyer, and political commentator on all matters pertaining to BIPOC.
What Black women from history inspire you?
I love Maya Angelou! She was not only poetic and deeply authentic, spiritual, and empowering in her books, stories, poetry, and messages. Her work transcends time… a true Sage.
How can we help BIPOC students in the classroom?
The undervaluing of BIPOC in this country breeds trauma, desensitization, and disenfranchisement for our youth. I believe it’s important to teach history in its entirety, inclusive of Black history. Addressing students’ generational trauma and social-emotional well-being plays a big part in effectively educating and graduating our students.
I believe empowerment is vital to understanding one’s personal value and worth, no matter your skin color, and it should happen in schools. Having educators that honor differences, cultures, and talents makes students feel valued. Also, using culturally relevant methods that reflect the student population helps bring meaning and relevance to the educational process. Lastly, providing education and programs that expose students to resources and opportunities that aid in economic advancement.
Why and how should we celebrate?
BHM is a celebration and appreciation for people who literally helped to build this country in the most horrific way. It acknowledges the resilience, progress, unique culture, and profound contributions locally, nationally, and internationally that Black people have made. BHM helps to understand where we’ve been and how far we’ve come so that trails can be blazed for where we are going.
Next, we hear from Carl Carter, a Node Leader with SYF’s three Nashville Simon Youth Academies.
What individual inspires you or do you believe is necessary to highlight for Black History Month?
I’m inspired when reminded of the many African American inventors who have contributed to many of the conveniences we enjoy today!
Are there any Black-owned businesses that you support that you’d like to highlight this month?
I would like to highlight Dr. Ranetta Perkins and her business, The Little Urban Vet, located in downtown Nashville! @littleurbanvet She is a graduate of Metro Nashville Public Schools and Cornell University.
Did you learn anything new about history in the Black community this year? (Can be personal or broader in a historical sense)
I learned that my wife’s great aunt, Patricia Terrell ( Mother of former NFL Player Patrick Terrell), was a member of the “Courageous Six,” a group of African-American students who fought to integrate schools in Dickson County, TN, in 1962. Patricia attended an all-Black school called Hampton High School that was at least fifty miles from her home because of segregation. Moreover, many of the students had dreams of attending college, but they did not have the science equipment for Science labs. The “Courageous Six” petitioned the principal of Charlotte High School and the Superintendent of Schools at the time to allow them to take Science lab courses at their school. They were not granted their petition, but this courageous act got attention in the local newspaper, and Dickson County began the integration process the next school year. They allowed students in grades 1-3 to integrate schools.
Are there any Black public figures who have spoken about education that inspire you?
As a Fisk University graduate, I would be remiss if I neglected to acknowledge the inspiration that I have had from Dr. W.E.B Du Bois, a fellow Fiskite (Fisk alum or professor). He’s quoted as saying, “Education must not simply teach work – it must teach life.” So true!
Which Black women from history inspire you? What about a Black woman from today?
How can I not be inspired by VP Kamala Harris!
How can we help BIPOC students in the classroom?
Seizing any opportunity to provide culturally relevant literature tremendously assists BIPOC students’ interest in daily classwork.
This is Black History Month; why and how would we celebrate it?
Black History Month should continue to celebrate the litany of African Americans’ achievements, who at times are what we call unsung heroes. It is vital that young African Americans have pride in their heritage, but just as important for others to understand how African Americans have contributed to the United States of America!
Alisha, is a School Counselor with, Simon Youth Academy at Sugarloaf Mills in Georgia.
What individual inspires you or do you believe is important to highlight for Black History Month.
The person(s) that I would like to highlight for Black History Month are local heroes. They are my mother, grandmothers, and aunts. They have instilled in me a passion and desire to do good by others and always to have the heart to serve. Without their love, push, encouragement, and nurturing, I would not be the woman I am today. I will continue to do good by others and have the heart to serve! I AM a strong, smart, and beautiful Black woman!
“Don’t let anyone rob you of your imagination, your creativity, or your curiosity. It’s your place in the world; it’s your life. Go on and do all you can with it, and make it the life you want to live.” -Mae Jemison
Last but not least, we have Jasmin, an Academy Leader with Simon Youth Academy at The Mills at Jersey Gardens.
What individual inspires you or do you believe is important to highlight for Black History Month?
LeBron James; he’s a philanthropist who funds multiple charitable projects around the U.S., focusing on young adults (near and dear to my heart as a high school administrator).
Are there any Black-owned businesses that you support that you’d like to highlight this month?
Dr. Randolph Sconiers (Dr. S), owner of Mental-Hop.com, where you can find all of the latest apparel, books, and merchandise on mental health.
Did you learn anything new about history in the Black community this year? (Can be personal or broader in a historical sense)
Yes. I recently learned about the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. It never seemed to be in any part of the curriculum I learned about in my educational experience as a youth or my experience as a former special education/history certified teacher.
Are there any Black public figures who have spoken about education that inspire you?
Principal Baruti Kafele (NJ Native); he provides strategies for creating a positive school climate and culture, transforming the attitudes of at-risk students. He motivates Black males to excel in the classroom and school leadership practices, inspiring schoolwide excellence.
Is there a specific Black woman from history who inspires you? What about a Black woman from today?
Maya Angelou. Her life is multifaceted in her story, integrity, and intellect. Also, Stacey Abrams is by far my favorite today! She reminds me of myself, a person willing to “fight the fight” until progress is made!
How can we help BIPOC students in the classroom?
By raising our expectations. By encouraging them to rise to the academic challenges in front of them. By fostering their self-esteem and letting them know that we have COMPLETE faith in their ability. By using words of encouragement, not words of frustration, and not being dismissive. By recognizing that they may have more against them, they can and WILL persevere because failure is no longer an option. Take them on field trips to colleges, trade schools, corporations, a variety of workforce fields, etc., at an early age for exposure and interest. It provides them with a vision of the future, a picture of what could be in THEIR future if they set goals and work hard to achieve them. Inspiration is everything!
This is Black History Month; why and how would we celebrate it?
While we’re highlighting and acknowledging great achievements and contributions made by African Americans, we should also take this opportunity to discuss the many ways in which BIPOC’s have been forced to participate in unfair policies and practices in our education, the communities we live in, and our professional lives. Black History Month is the perfect time to talk about racism and challenge negative stereotypes and hidden biases.
BHM always seems to be a time to highlight the successes and progression but should also be a time to discuss the hard realities and truths of experiences to what some endure in their daily lives. One can celebrate it by possibly pledging a Day of Service to an organization in an underserved community, whether that means challenging family and friends to fill a bag/box for donations of food or by putting in a day’s work at a friend or relatives (yard work, organizing, cleaning, etc.) and taking the earnings or donations to a community organization.
