How do you celebrate Black History Month?
“I try to think about the people that came before me. I educate myself on some things I don’t know about the history, and most importantly, I just try to be unapologetically black. I used to be an avid Big Sea listener and Big Sean said I celebrate every day in February like it’s my birthday. So, I try to be the same. I should feel free to dance and play my music and not to code switch as much. I should be saying what I want to say without a filter and doing what I want without a filter, and being who I want to be without a filter. It’s Black History Month.” – Andrew Goddard ’23
What message do you have for non-Black students this Black History Month?
“To all non-Black people, please stop appropriating Black culture and, instead, appreciate it. This month especially, we need to enjoy and celebrate the music and work of Black artists because Black people have created such amazing pieces of art throughout history. It’s so important to consume that media and grow our creativity using it. Also, please stop saying the N-word.” – Chia Eke ’26
Does Choate adequately celebrate Black History Month?
“This year, like in most years, the movement to have Black History Month recognized at Choate was entirely recognized. I reached out to multiple members of the School administration, wondering what the School’s plans were to celebrate, publicize, and educate about Black History Month, but they all deferred my questions to Dr. Myers. So, frustrated with Choate, I did what I should not have to do and decided to make a school meeting announcement myself. Otherwise, we would’ve gone the whole month without anyone saying anything.” – Simone Johnson ’23
