Hello, as diversity clerks of the Upper School, Janiah and I thought it would be great to share pieces of poetry that we wrote reflecting our feelings on Black History Month. When we think about Black History month, we think of a time where we can create the culture that Black and African American people have brought to society today. Our culture is so enriched with Black History, and we are very excited to be sharing these poems with the community to help start this month’s celebration. We hope you all enjoy!
Sincerely,
Nia Hipps ’22 (she/her) and Janiah McRae ’22 (she/her)

Black History Month
A month filled with celebration
A moment to express our appreciation
Appreciation for our black ancestors paving the way for us
Painting our paths to success like a painter on a canvas
Bayard Rustin, Jessie Owens, Bessie Coleman and Langstohn Hughes
Who were all athletes, artists or writers that worked on social justice issues
When you hear about Black History Month what do you envision?
Is it the hard past of slavery, culture defining music (etc.), what is your definition?
For us and our black brothers and sisters, BHM feels like our responsibility
Constantly proving to people blah blah blah…white fragility
But this year things will be different
Let’s emphasize that Black History Month is not the time to be ignorant
Why should BHM be a month in the year?
When we can share that Black History is the foundation of our global sphere
So when you think of this month really ponder
What type of black history this year do you want to learn more about and honor?

Being Black means something different in terms of health
Loving opening and expressingly is not a regular practice
Anything dark circling in your head is not to be shared with other people
Check ups with the doctor are either inaccessible or uncomfortable, as the doctor never looks like me
Keeping up with a family, couples or mental health therapist just because is uncommon due to lack of understanding

Heading into Black History Month we are focusing on Black health
Everything we think we knew about health is shaped by the tragedy of our past
Addressing mental health stigmas within the black community needs to be a priority
Learning how to correctly and productively think about our health is the goal
Therapy is not a scam, put trust in the medical field, mental health problems are not a sign of weakness
How do we make these changes? First, we state these realities