By: Kacey Richardson, Hana Austin, Nibha Patil 

   Black History month was established in 1976 by President Gerald Ford, the 38th president of the U.S. The month was created to focus on the contribution, culture, stories, and achievements of African-Americans throughout history. 

   As many important figures are being highlighted like Martin Luthur King Jr, Muhammad Ali, Kamala Harris who is the U.S first African American woman to serve as Vice President, and many more African Americans who have shaped the world today. 

   Black History Month isn’t just about celebrating but also a time to reflect on one’s faith and the role students play in society. Students at Marriotts Ridge express profound gratitude for God’s blessing through prayers during Black History Month. 

   “I celebrate Black History Month by praying and thanking God by allowing me to integrate into American society and gain my rights as a human,” junior Soma Dike said.

   Students also express their keen gratitude towards God by participating in various services that bring them closer to God and demonstrate their faithfulness.

   “On MLK day, I do service at my local church and think back to all the great things God has done for me,” sophomore Arden Baker shared. 

  Black Student Union (BSU), a club at Marriotts Ridge, brings together black students of different ethnicities to help them feel safer and more comfortable at school.

   “Black Student Union’s mission is to educate others on black experience, and also create an inclusive community within the Marriotts Ridge community,” club sponsor Mrs. Williams stated.

   School is a space where students and staff should be welcomed. Students spend 10 months of each year in school, so being included and represented in this environment is very important. 

   “Marriotts Ridge can be more inclusive to BSU by showing up, and people can come up with pre narratives. I just think that if we just come and show up and hear their experience and hear them out and really take into consideration everybody’s background, that’s as much as we can do. It’s one step closer to bringing everyone together,” Mrs. William shared. 

   For Black History Month, BSU acknowledges the importance of the community they’ve built around Black culture and celebrates it through several events throughout the year.

   “BSU is celebrating with a lot of events like Black Music Night, Black History month assembly, and spirit week. We also have some fun fundraisers and fun events coming up,” President of BSU and senior Ibiye Georgewill shared. 

   Marriotts Ridge is celebrating and participating in various events to acknowledge Black History Month. Some of these events include, the black music night which takes place on February 27th in the remembrance of the great Black artists and musicians around excellent food and culture.  Students also plan on performing speeches and various musical and dance performances to represent the black culture to show off their talents.

   Another event circling Black History Month is the BSU and Marriott’s Ridge fundraiser. The fundraiser plans on selling equipped goods such as lanyards, t-shirts and bracelets. This merchandise would have thoughtful messages imprinted throughout them, inspired by the Black History Month and the great black leaders that have a profound role in shaping the society. This merchandise would be available all throughout school till stock lasts.

   Black History Month is more than a time to reflect on the past; it is a call to recognize the strength and achievements of Black individuals who have shaped the nation. Black History Month reminds people that history is not just something one reads about, but something that continues to build up every day. At Marriotts Ridge, BSU club also plays a vital role in the upbringing of students and educating them on the past and how society has shaped people today. Let’s celebrate this Black History Month by honoring the achievements of Black leaders, the community, and continuing towards equality and justice for all.