While February is often associated with love and appreciation through Valentine’s Day, it is also a month dedicated to honoring the achievements and struggles of the Black community. Black History Month is a time to recognize those who fought for justice and equality, ensuring a better future for all.

Despite its great importance, the month is typically commercialized with hearts and chocolates by store lines yet conversations about Black History are often limited or even absent in classrooms. Most students at ELARA claim to have not known it was Black History Month until they were asked about it and felt disappointed for not being aware. This contrast highlights how commercial interests sometimes overshadow historical reflection.

At ELARA, few students were aware of Black History Month until asked. This raises the question: How can schools do more to ensure students recognize and appreciate this history? Incorporating lessons, guest speakers, and student-led discussions could help bring greater awareness and appreciation to the month. 

While Valentines Day promotes love and affection, Black History Month emphasizes the need for appreciation to the historical background of which equality and social justice rooted from. Simply integrating a lesson about the significance of this month would make a big difference as students will understand how to keep history alive and recognized. At ELARA students have the liberty to express all of their feelings, concerns and especially their interest in self growth. Therefore this month should not be overlooked but embraced by those who have the opportunity to contribute to the goodness of society. 

As the month comes to an end, it is important to remember that Black History Month is a call to honor and recognize action. To remember people like Martin Luther King who is remembered by many students at ELARA like senior Andrew Ramirez who shares ¨I appreciate how he helped make a change and bring people of color to be apart of normal schools without any segregation or inequality at all.¨ Or Rosa Parks remembered by senior Alfredo Ponce ¨I feel like Rosa Parks is the most memorable black person to me because she stood up against segregation by not giving up her seat to a white man which was something crucial for her during her time¨ and adding on ¨This impacted me because I know it took a lot of courage but she did the right thing not only for herself but her community to be treated equally.¨ Beyond remembering historical figures, students can take action by exploring Black history through books, documentaries, and discussions. Attending community events, supporting Black-owned businesses, or even incorporating Black voices into everyday learning can help ensure this history remains alive and impactful.