Each month we will highlight Edison Intermediate School student thoughts and ideas while also celebrating culture. For February, we will feature Black History Month.
When and why did Black History Month begin?
The origins of Black History Month began with “Negro History Week,” which started in 1926. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. The story of Black History Month began when Carter G. Woodson, who is known as the “father of Black history,” set out in 1926 to designate a time to educate people about Black history. His goal was to make people focus on the celebration of Black History and to make it a serious topic. His idea grew, and eventually in the 1960s, Negro History Week developed into Black History Month. By 1976, every U.S. president had set the month to focus on this topic. -Zara Dobek
Other countries have followed America in celebrating Black History Month such as Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, and the Netherlands. February was chosen as Black HIstory Month because it aligns with Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass’ birthdays. Lincoln played a significant role in freeing enslaved people, while Douglass, who was once a slave himself, emerged as a key figure in the movement that aimed to abolish slavery. -Talia Esposito
Journalism students were asked to watch this video of author and ballerina Misty Copeland, reading her story Firebird. After reading her book, Misty asks, “What advice would you give to someone to encourage them not to give up?”
“Before you give up, remember you are allowed to make mistakes, everyone does. The key is getting right back up on your feet so you can keep moving forward. Don’t dwell on the past; focus on the future.” –Madelyn DeMasi
“Know that to achieve your dream, you should not rush to the outcome. Take your time, and soak up the journey that got you to where you will be.” -Madison Greenwald
“You are not alone. A lot of people go through life struggling trying to be independent, but it never works. They say it takes a village, and it does. We are all living this life at once, and if we can work together, we can do anything.” -Sydney Elmquist
“When you feel like giving up, it might feel hard to see beyond the struggles that you are facing, but in the end when you keep fighting all the pain and struggles will be worth it.¨ -Dylan Mangold
“You never know what could happen if you keep trying. It is very important to give everything your best effort and not to quit. If you put your mind to it you can do anything you want. -Kate Rosenblum
The journalism students were also asked: Who is one person you feel should be highlighted during Black History Month?
“Rosa Parks deserves recognition because it was so brave of her to stick up for herself. She also stuck up for other colored people at the back of the bus. That takes a lot of courage.” -Gracie Fitzpatrick
“Jackie Robinson because he was the first African American baseball player, and he was a great player. He also proved everyone wrong and changed history by allowing black people to play.”-Austen Hsieh
“Rihanna because she is a strong role model for children, and she created a bunch of popular songs that everyone knows.”. -Audriana Nastasi
“Simone Biles deserves to be highlighted because she is USA’s greatest gymnast of all time and her hard work and dedication deserves to be recognized.” -Kayla Richman
“Lebron James because he is considered to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time, and he is very skilled and has accomplished a large list of achievements.” -Chelsea Tsvirko
“Ruby Bridges because she was the first African American child to learn at an all white school. It was very brave of her to go up against society and stick up for herself. Students in our school could use her story as a motivator to defend themselves from hate and bullying.” -Diya Patel