Black History Month is honored throughout February to remember the important contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout the nation’s history. In light of Black History Month, Intercultural Club and Common Ground have worked closely to raise awareness and appreciation for African American figures and stories.

“Rather than looking at Black History Month as the only time to recognize the contributions of Black People to American Literature and History, Common Ground is trying to promote the idea of instead looking at this as a time to celebrate all that Black people have done and continue to contribute to society,” Common Ground advisor Molly Olguin said.

This year, Common Ground placed posters around the school to highlight the important figures and note what they did.  Everyday, Common Ground placed a poem in the blue sheet, all written by African Americans. Also, during senior speeches, the club played songs by African American artists.

Amina Smaller, co-president of Common Ground explained the reasons for increased community activity this year.

“We wanted to take the opportunity to bring some more voices into SPA’s spaces and we did that by putting a poem by a Black writer in the blue sheet every day and by hanging posters of noteworthy Black intellectuals, musicians, actors, and activists around the school. We also helped organize a special ‘Soul Food’ lunch to just give SPA a little taste of Black culture,” Smaller said.

Olguin believes that the celebration of African American history will allow people of color to feel more comfortable within SPA and around their communities.

“For the people of Common Ground, I think it is especially nice to see history celebrated that is not just White American history and literature which is viewed as the default and gives students the idea that suppressed history isn’t niche but was always a part of our literature, country, and culture,” Olguin said.

Smaller agreed with Olguin’s sentiments.

“It can be very affirming for students with marginalized identities to see themselves in spaces where the representation isn’t usually there,” Smaller said.

Smaller strives to expand SPA’s perspective on Black History and impact others within the community.

“Black history should be important to every community because Black history is American history. Black history affects every member of our community, whether we want it to or not, and that is something that our community needs to recognize. When we celebrate and learn about Black history everyone benefits, and is something we need to incorporate into our school in a positive way,” Smaller said.

Common Ground urges the community to continue to spark conversation about marginalized history throughout the year, not just during February.

“Our goal is to have SPA take more action to acknowledge, appreciate, and celebrate Black people’s contributions to society and their voices,” Smaller said.