Savaan Tyler came to our publication with an opinion piece ready for publication. His article is the first opinion piece written by a student at PHS outside of Journalism Club.
Black History Month is the gift to have people of black skin color feel that they are receiving reparations for slavery, segregation, and lots of painful historic events. It is a month to identify the greatest minds of black skin and events that shaped black history. It is a month to learn some of the most painful topics in American history that everyone should already know.
But in reality, Black history is America’s history. American history is built on Black history, so relegating black history to a single month of the year is yet another tragedy added. It separates us from being equal and the word “celebration” can turn into questions like, “If there is a month for black people, why not a month for every race?” and “What happens in March?”
Also, during this month, people’s behaviors change. Other students will try to be nicer and teachers will speak on black topics. While this is not unwanted behavior, the question is, “Why not do this all the time?”
"Everyone has it in them to understand what racist comments and actions do to others."
Black history is as significant as any other because it is embedded in American history, and because we’re American.
Racism on Campus
Racism at school is as common as a bird in the sky. Students have normalized it. Victims and school authorities cannot do much. Where are the repercussions? And where is parent input? Where is the learning to change people’s mentality? At some point, our own individual minds have to change to find equality on our campus. As a black student, I see people trying to talk about it without confidence. And while this is a process of change, it begins by attempting to understand historical struggles historically and current ones. Everyone has it in them to understand what racist comments and actions do to others, if they take the time, but also if this topic is given time.
It should be that someone should always be ready to check someone on their acts. We do this when fights happen or when class clowns, and other disruptive behaviors occur, but rarely with racism. People pretend it’s normal and that needs to change.
I hope someone will take the time to make it right. It is a matter of being confident in knowing what is right from wrong.
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