Since its official recognition in 1976 by President Gerald R. Ford, Black History Month has been a time to bring awareness and appreciation to the monumental Black figures in our country both past and present. The 2026 theme is “A Century of Black History Commemorations.”
BSU Social Secretary, senior Violet Ludwig said Black History Month is “a time to celebrate our accomplishments instead of focusing on the hardships. It represents the strength and resilience through representing activism, community, artistry, and equality.”
Campolindo is fortunate to have an active Black Student Union that adds meaningfully to the inclusivity, communication, and connection our school strives for. BSU recruiter, sophomore Ryan LaMarche said “it’s a small community that makes me feel like I belong here at Campo.” LaMarche also mentioned the importance of the relationships he has formed with the upperclassmen officers in the BSU and how they have contributed to his sense of belonging. One of those integral officers, President senior Malik Li said the BSU “has definitely given me the opportunity to support the black side of me, especially because it is pretty underrepresented at Campo.”
This year in honor of Black History Month the BSU is planning to feature Black literature in the library. One of the books Li highly recommends is Roots: The Saga of an American Family by Alex Haley. The book tells the story of a young man named Kunta Kinte from Gambia who is sold into slavery.
Li works to raise awareness about Black history and culture because he believes “people need to understand the impact that black culture has on people’s lives, like honesty, art, music, inventions, even peanuts.” LaMarche feels similarly and thinks “It’s important to learn about your culture and talk about it with other people so you can connect with them and find common interests.” The BSU’s main overarching goal is “to bring everyone together and create a community without judgment. We relate to each other through the ups and downs, and we support each other always” according to Ludwig.
In and beyond February, the BSU is also planning to post more on social media about prominent Black figures, and produce more merchandise, including sweatshirts, for the BSU. Additionally, they will be continuing their collaboration initiative with JM students to “expand our community to younger kids” Ludwig shared.
LaMarche also enjoys taking part in intimate family gatherings to experience the rich history and culture he comes from. He said, “Me and my mom’s family hang out more during the month [of February] and have a lot of Jamaican inspired dishes because my mom’s family is Jamaican.” He also shared that, “sometimes we go to events that celebrate black history. Me and my mom went to a Juneteenth festival last year and it was cool.”
From personal practices to community expansion Black History Month is a space the BSU wants our community to fully recognize, appreciate, and take part in. This includes embracing its themes and messages year-round. Participating in BSU meetings and reading some of the books suggested in the library are some ways students can involve themselves. Even having authentic conversations about inspiring Black figures and their impacts can make a difference on our campus environment.
Ludwig shared some of the Black figures that have meant so much to her over the years: “I am a dancer, so I really look up to Misty Copeland. She committed to her craft as a ballerina regardless of the injustice and judgment she faced. I look up to Michelle Obama who was the first lady when I was born and who made me believe from a very young age that anything is possible. I also look up to Martin Luther King, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, and all of the other civil rights activist who shaped our world today, allowing us to have the rights that we do.”
