It is no mystery that a school newspaper would write and publish an article about Black History Month during February. It’s a no-brainer, and honestly extremely predictable; it’s safe in making sure that there is an inclusivity of all students. Some students would say it’s similar to the curriculum their teachers are bringing to them every year around this time.
Celebrating something as grand as Black History should be exciting for students, a push to getting them to pay more attention to the content. The constant use of figures such as MLK Jr, Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, etc, does not help with such results, it gets redundant hearing the same stories told, the same lessons learned, over the same people; over and over again. However, with the help of one of LCHS’ finest Media Center Specialists, Ms.Golitko, or better known as Ms.G; Open a portal into time to allow students to explore the world of uprising “Black TV”.
Ms.G showcases black sitcoms such as Martin, Good Times, Fresh Prince, and A Different World, giving students the chance to not only learn about important Black History, but also incorporate enjoyment. To provide a couple of fun facts learned through this experience, Amos ‘n’ Andy was the first ever black sitcom aired on National Television in 1951. Throughout this whole journey, kids can explore the complexities of the relationships they see in their parents’ favorite TV show growing up, while attempting to understand the double entendres hiding within. Seeing the struggles that their idols faced in trying to become something big, truly puts modern day struggles for success in a different perspective. Ms. G looks forward to highlighting these topics every year.“Black History at Lawrence Central High School is – where I put most of my focus in for programming.— I don’t think that we do enough in schools to teach black history.– I do think that there are so many more stories to tell—instead of tackling your typical curriculum.”
During our interview with Ms.G readers get to understand that instructors are just teaching with the material they are given, but it can be far more enjoyable than it may seem.“Libraries for me epitomize inclusivity.—There is a place for everyone here in the library” says Ms. G. Even some instructors that spend more time one on one with their students have their own beliefs on the curriculum they are required to teach by and how it affects their teaching styles.
One of our most profound staff members Ms.Dodd, an English Teacher, has a lot to add about the inclusion of diverse voices in school curriculum “I would probably say there is room to grow when it comes to exploring the depths of black history.—I believe that we can make some improvements because there is a lot to explore” says Ms. Dodd.
Dodd works alongside her English 11 PLC members to bring in supplemental material all year to highlight different voices. I like to find articles and stories that are relevant to the current day trends. But I also like to find historical articles that I can say ‘see these kids also went through the same thing! This was their Kendrick Lamar, This was their Martin Luther King, This was their George Floyd.’
She continues and states that she thinks it’s beneficial to connect historic and current trends to help keep students engaged. “I like to find articles and stories that are relevant to the current day trends. But I also like to find historical articles that I can say ‘“see these kids also went through the same thing! This was their Kendrick Lamar, This was their Martin Luther King, This was their George Floyd.’”
