News Release
CONTACT: Shannon Haber, 213-393-1289
Board of Education Approves Black History Month Resolution Recognizes the Contributions and Achievements of African Americans
LOS ANGELES (Feb. 9) – The Board of Education today approved a resolution recognizing February as Black History Month, “an annual celebration of achievements by Black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of African Americans in U.S. History.” This year’s theme is The Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity.
“Black History Month is a time to celebrate and commemorate the role African Americans have played in the history of our country and in our communities,” Superintendent Austin Beutner said. “The next generation of Black leaders are in our schools today. Let’s help them reach their full potential.”
The only Black member of the School Board, Dr. George J. McKenna III sponsored the resolution, which was co-sponsored by the rest of the board.
“African Americans have been an integral part of the foundation, fabric and fortunes of this nation for more than four hundred years, facts that should be acknowledged every day,” Board Member Dr. McKenna said. “Black History Month focuses a spotlight on our aspirations and inspirations, on our accomplishments, our contributions and our progress from slave ships to the White House. It is also a reminder of unfinished work, unfulfilled promises, and for too many black children, education remains the greatest unmet civil right.”
“This month is not only a time for us to celebrate and uplift Black History in classrooms, it is also a time for us to reflect on the role we want to play in combatting systemic racism and white supremacy,” School Board President Kelly Gonez said. “I’m proud of the steps our District has taken to ensure we serve as a positive force in the struggle for racial equality, but I also recognize there is much work still ahead of us. I’m honored to cosponsor this resolution alongside Dr. McKenna and my other colleagues.”
“Now more than ever, we have to celebrate Black History Month with a commitment to align ourselves with an anti-racist and anti-white supremacist culture that lives in the institutions and norms that surround us,” Board Member Mónica García said. “That commitment begins with each of us using our power like those who came before us and in ensuring every kid can read and is getting the education they deserve.”
“We celebrate Black History in February, but I urge everyone to continue to honor all year long, the past and present history, culture, sacrifices and contributions African Americans have made to our nation,” Board Member Scott M. Schmerelson said. “As we strive for a better future, we must teach our students how to overcome the hate and structural racism that sadly still exists today.”
“Black History is American history, and we must center the historical figures, events, and contributions of Black Americans every bit as much as we center the lived experience of our Black students and families in our collective fight for racial justice—including our efforts to dismantle systemic racism in our public schools, close the persistent opportunity gap for students of color and celebrate the achievements of our Black students,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said.
“Black History Month provides an opportunity for all of us to highlight the successes, accomplishments and contributions of African Americans,” Board Member Jackie Goldberg said. “Black History is American History.”
“Today, tomorrow, and forever, we affirm that Black Lives Matter and Black History is American history,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said.
“We are Black excellence,” Student Board Member Kamarie Brown, who is African American, said. “Let’s normalize sharing positive Black news. Black history is not just for Black people to know, but it is history that we all should know. Black History Month is a prime example why Ethnic Studies should be implemented in schools to teach about all of the Black visionaries who made and continue to make history. I too plan to make history by bringing forth a resolution to make Student Bill of Rights Month slated for April of this year, which I will speak more about at future meetings. So as you see you are never too young to make Black History.”