THE OEI BULLETIN

This edition of the OEI Bulletin is published in celebration of Black History Month. By exploring the influence of Black historical figures, artists, institutions, and stories, this newsletter aims to uplift the Black community at Porter’s and beyond. This bulletin will dive into the life and legacy of Black writer and activist James Baldwin, appreciate the influence of Black artists in the music and art industries, and highlight the importance of His- torically Black Colleges and Universities. We are incredibly grateful for our guest writers, Jamiah Bennet, Katrina Council, and ashley amoabeng, for their contributions to this bulletin. Their pieces insightfully and personally explore Black identities in education, and welcome exploration of Black heritage. We hope that this bulletin allows you to both learn about and celebrate Black identities during and past Black History Month.

Black History 365

By Katrina Council - Guest Writer

What Black History Month means to me.

As a historian and educator, I always frame my teaching through the lens of what I would have wanted to see in the curriculum growing up. I remember once in high school, I asked my teacher why we were only reading books by white male authors, and he remarked that it’s canon and they are essential. In his response, I heard that people who look like me are not important enough to study or read literature.

So whenever I teach, I try to highlight Black artists, historians, and authors who have made my life better by learning about them. At some point in adulthood, I looked into this “canon” to see who is represented, and there was only one Black author, Toni Morrison, and her book Beloved. While this is a phenomenal book, to me it highlighted that Black people were only significant when discussing the trauma and struggles we go through. Think about all of the books that you have read and how many of them specifically celebrate Black joy; this list is too short I understand that the Black experience is essential, but I would have loved to have Tiana when I was younger; I would have loved to have Tomi Adeyemi and her books to show me that African and Black culture, folklore, and storytelling are essential to understanding who we are, from where we’ve come, and where we are going.

Black History Month always makes me cringe because it is when companies, schools, and various other businesses have sales and new items to highlight the contributions Black people make, all of which come across as disingenuous. Black history didn’t happen in a vacuum and therefore should not be studied in a vacuum. As an educator, I try to ascribe to Black History 365 because without the contributions of Black people, this country would not be the country it is today. As a young kid, I spent time at the library picking books that interested me. During this time, there are three people I learned about, who have guided me throughout my life.

• First is Thurgood Marshall, an activist and the first Black person to sit on the Supreme Court. I wanted to be like him and break barriers wherever I went.

• Shirley Chisolm showed me that it is possible for not only a woman but a Black woman to be president of the United States, being the first Black woman to be elected to Congress, and the first Black woman who was a major party’s candidate for President of the United States.

• Madam C.J. Walker taught me not only to love my natural hair but also how to care for it.

These pioneers gave me the confidence to understand that anything is possible, and I have spent my entire life trying to live up to the example they gave me. Black history should not be relegated to one month; there shouldn’t be a time frame on when we highlight, teach, and discuss the importance of the same few Black people. Let’s branch out and learn about the trailblazers who made it possible for all of our favorite modern-day celebrities to have the opportunities they have now. We also need to let our Black students know that we are a phenomenal group of people who are worthy of being celebrated all year round, and they are worthy of being a part of the curriculum we teach. This month, for Black History Month, there are two bulletin boards in Hamilton, one on the first floor which highlights impressive Black women in history, and the second floor which celebrates various Black men in history. I focused on some famous Black historical figures while also using the space to highlight some people who may not be as well-known to our Porter’s community. I wanted to show you the past and the present of Black history, and my fellow Black, African, and African American students, are the future, so go and find your hero and remember that just because it isn’t taught in school does not mean that it isn’t vital.