A Letter From The President Regarding African American History Month

The month of February is widely known as African American History Month. In honor of this important time, I would like to talk briefly about this occasion and stress the importance of this month.

On the announcements, similar to Hispanic History Month, you have heard me give brief biographies of different historical African American figures. This month’s figures have included the likes of President Obama, Senator Cory Booker, Frederick Douglass, Rosa Parks, Tiera Fletcher Guinn, and many others. I want to make it very clear beyond any doubt, that my administration is committed to helping all of our peers, regardless of race, ethnicity, creed, or any other factor. Making everyone feel especially included and represented in school is my largest goal.

African Americans today have progressed far beyond what would have been possible only a few decades ago. Although our school and our society is more inclusive than ever before, there was a time in our nation when people legally owned human beings based on the difference of their skin color. There was a time when races were segregated with separate, but not equal accommodations; a time when African American citizens were denied voting rights through the use of poll taxes and literacy tests.

This is one of the reasons I am proud to have led to the creation of Voter Registration Week in our high school. This helps us give more young people the ability to exercise their rights now that there are fewer restrictions than were historically present. Our nation has made great strides to have fairness and equality for all of our citizens, but we must never slow down or stop in the fight to improve our society for everyone.