Black History Month is an annual celebration of the achievements, struggles, and central role of African Americans in our nation’s history. It is the mission of San Diego Unified to educate on the rich culture, invaluable contributions, and memorable figures of African American history.
When the Board of Education passed a resolution last Tuesday to once again honor February as Black History Month, they strengthened that commitment by also voting to raise the Black Lives Matter flag over the district central office building this month.
“It is a symbol of inclusion, especially for our students of color,” the resolution stated. “The flag will be a reminder that history, including Black history, is not just something of the past. History is constantly being made, and this flag and this movement are a part of it.”
The district’s Youth Advocacy department has created a directory of resources for students, staff and parents, and will be kicking off the month with a Black Lives Matter “Week of Action” Feb. 1-5.
Each day of the Week of Action will highlight two to three of the Black Lives Matter guiding principles. In school, teachers across the area will implement corresponding curriculum designed for pre-K through 12th-grade classrooms.
Students are also encouraged to learn more about the district’s Black Student Union Coalition, a project backed by San Diego Unified and co-founded by student leaders Tatiana Howell and Endiya Griffin. The BSU Coalition serves as a platform and forum through which Black students, allies, and stakeholders throughout the greater San Diego area can connect in order to uplift their community.
For parents and staff, the district is also seeking volunteer artists and teachers to lead youth participants in a Black History Month online art demonstration; those interested in volunteering are encouraged to sign up via an online interest form.