According to Kent State University, Black History Month was first officially acknowledged by President Gerald Ford in the 1970s, and its importance is displayed across the world, especially in the United States. 

     In North Harford, the Black Student Union is spreading that importance. Anisa Ray, Junior, secretary of the Black Student Union, explains what the group is about, “a club created to be a safe space for African Americans Students of North Harford. We learn facts, culture, and other aspects about African American history.” 

     According to Brea Smothers, treasurer of the BSU, the club is doing specific activities for Black History Month, some of which include “hanging historical posters about less represented individuals in the media, setting up displays about books, announcement trivia, and fact sharing, where people can earn fun prizes.”

     TJ Femi-Falodun, founder of the BSU goes into more depth about the facts being shared in the announcements.  “The themes for each week are black women in history, civil rights movement leaders, and black health and wellness week.” 

     She explains how the idea to create BSU came into her mind.“There were not a lot of people of color in this school, and my friends didn’t really feel comfortable, because there weren’t many people who could communicate and understand them.” Femi-Falodun founded the BSU in hopes to give her friends a voice. “I want black students and all students to not be afraid of racism here.”

     Ray acknowledges how important the union is to her. “Something like this was never seen or established here and change is important.”  Neah Shaw, outreach chair of the BSU, agrees with Ray, in which “it’s important to highlight our role in history that we don’t learn in history class. It’s important for Black Americans to be proud of who they are, their struggles, accomplishments, and be able to express that during this month and any other month.”

     Shaw invites any student to join the club, “the BSU is a group of people who are very welcoming and interactive, so don’t feel like you might be the outcast if you join.” She further explains that “it is not just a place for POC, anyone can join.”