Beyond 28

February 2022 marks the third year BSU has celebrated Black History Month on campus. The Black Student Union had some amazing events for Black History month. 

“We have the Langston Hughes interactive poster,” BSU advisor Angie Mogilefsky said. 

Hughes was one of the most influential poets in the Harlem renaissance. BSU used a quote from one of Hughes’ most famous poems titled “Harlem.” 

 “What happens to a dream deferred?” the quote read on a poster where PVHS students could write what they believed happened to their forgotten dreams. 

On Feb. 15, BSU hosted a movie night showing “The Hate U Give.” 

“We want [to show] something a little more modern,” senior and BSU president Aliyah Jamerson said. The movie takes place in the present day and tackles the issues of police brutality and institutional racism.

“The Hate U Give” is based on an African American girl’s personal experience attending a predominantly white school—a relatable situation for African American students at PVHS. 

“That is my exact situation being black in a predominately white school and having to fit in or act a certain way versus when you’re at home with your family,”  Jamerson said.

At the movie night BSU members were wearing with “Beyond 28.”

“[Beyond 28] means that Black people and Black culture should be highlighted and celebrated 365 days of the year,” Jamerson said. 

Jamerson is already looking beyond the 28 days of February and planning future events. 

“I hope to book certain guest speakers, hold fundraisers, such as cookouts, collaborate with more clubs and much more,” Jamerson said.

With all of these wonder actions planned brings a very important thing: representation for the Black community at PVHS. 

“School is a second home, and you should feel safe in a home,” Jamerson said. “Representation gives you that safety. It helps you not feel so small on a predominantly white campus.” 

With the African American population at PVHS being less than 5 percent, Jamerson believes that representation is key. 

“[Representation] will make the school a more cultured place,” Jamerson said. “It will help the students learn, grow, and appreciate. It will also allow Black students to feel seen and understood.”

 BSU is beyond prepared and ready to bring change and representation to PVHS, making our campus better for every student. 

“Imagine if your culture’s history was so rich, so impactful, and so empowering, but it wasn’t celebrated or even recognized,” Jamerson said. “We must recognize Black excellence. All of it.”