This year marks 100 years since the founding of Black History Month, a time that the United States uses to reflect, celebrate, and educate on the history of Black Americans. This recognition of Black history grew from a week-long celebration into a month-long remembrance of the role African Americans played in U.S. history. We as a society not only focus on the struggles of Black Americans, but also on the achievements, the efforts, and the triumphs of their experiences in America.
Over time, we may be inclined to forget these points of why the month is celebrated, so we must remember that its purpose is deeply tied to the present times. Stories and achievements from African Americans of all backgrounds continue to influence our society today. Whether it’s in music, style, or expression– like dance. The month of February helps everyone learn how we as a society can be better to every human being with no exceptions and highlight the contributions the Black community brought to today’s society.
Here at Torrington High School, we aim to honor this month, with multiple clubs coming together with the aim of celebrating and educating our students on Black history. The National English Honor Society had its members come together for multiple contributions for the month, from a book display dedicated to showcasing black authors to boards celebrating black authors and pulling quotes from their books.
Seeing our school’s advancements for the Black community is vital for highlighting Black students and ensuring every voice is heard clearly. Torrington High School has seen the founding of its very first Black Student Union in 2024 from senior Kajeda Fraser. It’s important to remember that power lies within us, the students. The power to be heard, to build our communities, to create our spaces.
Celebration is also seen from the Black Student Union, sharing quotes from Historical Black Figures each morning for the month of February. Senior and President of the Black Student Union, Kajeda Fraser, has been providing those quotes for announcements.
“In a school where Black people are the obvious minority, it’s important for the entire school to be exposed to the great things that our people have accomplished,” says Fraser. Seeing this dedication from our students shows commitment in our community to properly celebrate the existence of Black History Month and ensure we don’t forget how hard the Black community has fought and prospered, then and now.
Fraser encourages students to remember that this month is about more than events in history, it’s about recognizing Black people’s past, present, and future in our society. Using education and participation, the school and its students create an environment where every story can be read, and every voice can be heard.
