Celebrating Black History Month at DSHA

 

Q: Why is it important for DSHA to celebrate Black History Month? And how does this relate to our scriptural theme “listen to understand” for the year?

A: I believe that it is important for Divine Savior Holy Angels to celebrate Black History Month because I believe that DSHA, as a whole, needs to be more informed about the elements of Black history. African American people have contributed their talents and attributes for the betterment of society and the world. This relates to the scriptural theme “listen to understand” for the year because we have seen, in past decades, how African American talents have not been recognized in main media and society, causing African Americans to feel ignored, invisible, and powerless. I feel that DSHA’s recognition of the importance of Black history and African Americans will encourage people to speak about their experience and recognize their talents. This helps create a safe space where people can hope that their voice and talents will be heard. 

 

Q: What do you hope your fellow students/faculty/staff/wider community learn from the social posts?

A: I hope that my fellow students and wider community can learn from our social media posts how integral African Americans have been in society. African Americans have contributed their minds and souls into ideas that have become inventions that we use today. For example, Garrett Morgan created the traffic light, which society uses to create a safe and effective intersection for those driving. 

 

A: Being a Dasher means so much to me. In the last four years of high school, I had to grow and mature not only as a young lady, but as a Black woman living in society. I had to push beyond my limits and abilities to become the person that I am today, but I don’t think it would have been possible without DSHA. I am more confident and independent in my talents and abilities, and have been more comfortable with setting boundaries for myself and for others. I have learned to become an advocate in all aspects of my life.

Q: Why is it important for DSHA to celebrate Black History Month? And how does this relate to our scriptural theme “listen to understand” for the year?

A: I believe that it is important for the DSHA community to celebrate Black History Month because Black history is so important and deserves to be acknowledged. Often times, as a school community, we avoid going deeper into the importance of Black History Month because it leads to uncomfortable conversations. However, these uncomfortable conversations are necessary for growth within us and within the school community. I think by DSHA celebrating, appreciating, and understanding Black history, we can grow as a community and the school will be better for it. This relates to our theme of the year "listen to understand" because Black History Month is a time where everyone — people within the school community and outside of it — can slow down and take a moment to stop and listen to the Black members of their community which allows them to understand the struggles and triumphs of the Black community.

 

Q: What do you hope your fellow students/faculty/staff/wider community learn from the social posts?

A: My hope is that everyone who views our social posts learns something they did not know and learn more about themselves. There are so many things that even I don't know, so I am going to take this month to begin to grow from things I do not know. I also hope that everyone that sees our posts can take time to reflect on their lives and actions and understand how it affects those around them.   

A: While being a Dasher, I've learned the importance of communication. Being a Dasher, to me, means that I am not afraid to speak up and stand up for what is right. To me, being a Dasher also means that I am open to understanding everyone and everything around me. 

Q: Why is it important for DSHA to celebrate Black History Month? And how does this relate to our scriptural theme “listen to understand” for the year?

A: It is important for DSHA to celebrate Black History Month because it reminds everyone that it isn’t just Black history, it is all of our history. It is also important for us to teach others about the historic leaders in the Black community and address how much they endured for equality. This relates to our scriptural theme “listen to understand” because Black History Month gives our school community a time to prioritize Black voices and stories.

 

Q: What do you hope your fellow students/faculty/staff/wider community learn from the social posts?

A: From the social media posts, I hope my school community learns about Black culture and Black people as a whole. I hope that they can listen and take in the struggles that their Black peers face on a daily basis. I hope that they can have an appreciation for Black culture. I hope that they spread the things they learn to other friends and their family members. Lastly, I hope they can become an advocate for Black lives if they aren’t already.

 

A: To me, being a Dasher means being able to self-advocate and communicate with others. These are also some of the main goals of SOC. We want to communicate with others about being a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color) in a predominantly white school, and we want to advocate for ourselves and the club as a whole, which is one of the reasons for our growing social media presence.

Q: Why is it important for DSHA to celebrate Black History Month? And how does this relate to our scriptural theme “listen to understand” for the year?

A: It is important for the DSHA community to celebrate Black History Month because it is often neglected in an effort to see past it , along with the wrongdoings towards the Black community and the people who are a product of it, at DSHA. For Black women, it affects how we are able to identify and recognize our cultural past. This relates to our spiritual theme "listen to understand" for this year since we can never truly understand something when we are not exposed to it.

 

Q: What do you hope your fellow students/faculty/staff/wider community learn from the social posts?

A: SOC hopes that our fellow students/faculty/staff/wider community learn of a history and culture which we are not traditionally immersed in at school, but rather will learn from our social posts.

 

A: Being a Dasher means to be comfortable to learn, adapt, and love — which is what SOC brings to light not only this month, but all year long.