Black History Month

February 1, 2023

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. The event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian (often referred to the father of black history), Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month.


Black history is American history. "There is no American history without African American history," said Sara Clarke Kaplan, executive director of the Antiracist Research & Policy Center at American University in Washington, D.C. The Black experience, she said, is embedded in "everything we think of as 'American history.' "


But American history remains a segregated space. The paradox of Black History Month today, is that we still need it, even if it is not enough. 


Acknowledging that America is a multicultural society and that the accomplishments and contributions of people who are not White are real, substantial, and important is proof that the American ideals so many of us profess to value are real.​​​​​​​


https://www.rd.com/article/why-black-history-month-shouldnt-be-a-single-month/

https://www.npr.org/2022/02/26/1082532955/why-does-black-history-month-matter​​​​​​​

https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-history-month



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On Tuesday, January 28th, a group of students from Trex North School visited Pond View Estates in Albany, organized by Sandy Baldwin, group leader, and in collaboration with Catholic Charities in St. Cloud. Julie Ueland, the student advisor, helped oversee the project to ensure everything went smoothly. Pond View Estates is a Senior Dining Congregate Kitchen, where seniors gather to enjoy meals and socialize, making it a perfect environment for these students to connect with the residents. When the students arrived, the residents were delighted by the youthful energy and enthusiasm they brought. The students quickly got to work helping the seniors create Valentine’s cards before lunch. The atmosphere was filled with creativity and laughter as everyone worked together to make colorful and thoughtful cards. Afterward, the group enjoyed lunch together, where the dining hall was full of lively conversation. The students interacted with the seniors, hearing their stories and building new connections. The visit bridged generations, fostering meaningful and joyful interactions. The highlight of the day was the bingo game that followed lunch, where excitement filled the room as the numbers were called. Friendly competition brought plenty of laughs, especially when someone was just one number away from winning, only for another participant to grab the prize first. The fun, camaraderie, and shared moments left everyone smiling. A few standout interactions included Joseph and Riley spending time with resident Victor Tschida, and Tianna sharing a special moment with resident Ken Bunger. These connections highlighted the deep impact of intergenerational friendships. For many of the residents, the visit from the students was an unexpected but cherished experience, reminding everyone of the importance of making time for one another. It was a beautiful day of fostering community, connection, and kindness. As the students prepared to leave, there was a sense of fulfillment in the air. Not only had the day brightened the seniors' lives, but it also left a lasting impression on the students, who gained a deeper understanding of the joy and fulfillment that comes from spending quality time with others. The day ended with smiles, hugs, and promises to return, a reminder of how powerful and meaningful human connection can be.

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By Brittany Hoversten • March 5, 2025
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