Hear their Voices
HEAR THEIR
VO I C E S BLACK HISTORY MONTH FROM A YOUTH PERSPECTIVE What does Black History Month mean to you? It is a time to celebrate my ancestors and acknowledge the hardships they endured. Name a notable black figure from history that you admire. There are so many but to name a few: Ruby Bridges and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. immediately come to mind. People paving the way for whom I want to be.
Aniya Thompson Age: 17 School: Senior at Normal Community High School
Name a current black figure that inspires you. My mom, Tamika Thompson. She encourages me and my six-year-old sister to speak our minds and attend protests. And she is always there if I need someone to talk to. Do you believe racial harmony exists in Bloomington/Normal? There is room for improvement. I have personally been a victim of racial
profiling by being followed around in stores by security. We need to push for more change but we aren’t there yet. Tell us a little about you. I am a member of the NAACP with my mom. I have also participated in ACT-SO, which is like an Olympics of the mind for people of color. I have been doing that for two years. I won gold for Music Vocal Contemporary and was nationally qualified. I want to be a musical theatre major at Ball State or Western Michigan. My end goal is to be a teacher as there is a lack of black teachers. How do you feel about Kamala Harris being inaugurated as our first black female vice president? It is inspiring to have a woman of color be in this office. It shows that we are capable of doing these things even if for so many years people said we couldn’t.
The Village at Mercy Creek, is one of the largest and most trusted Catholic faith-based senior living communities in the Midwest area. Our top priority has always been a safe, secure and healthy environment for everyone.
Call 309-268-1501 to learn more! 10
Limited Magazine | February 2021
1501 Mercy Creek Dr. Normal, IL 61761 www.villageatmercycreek.org
