Black History Month is a time where people all around the United States celebrate African American lives. During this time, we can appreciate great civil activists like Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, Barack Obama, Malcolm X, and many more.
“Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations,” said Dr. Mae Jemison, first female African-American astronaut.
Martin Luther King, Jr. was an influential black rights activist he once stated, “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed — we hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.” This quote was stated from his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.
At Woodland, Black History Month is well received by students and teachers with many famous Black futures on display all over the walls of the library. Asia Mateen, a student teacher at Woodland who is inspiring to become a social studies teacher has a lot of passion for Black History Month, saying she celebrates it and throughout the month she celebrates by honoring important figures she looks up to like Bayard Rustin, Ella Baker, Stokley Carmicheal, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Medgar Evers. Mateen then talked about how vital these people were in the Civil Rights Movement during the 1950’s and 60’s.
“My experience because of the color of my skin hasn’t had a lot of overt challenges, but it’s been in small ways in how people view me, interact with me, or what they believe my level of success could be,” said Mateen.
Comments about her success and stature have left her wondering about the questioner’s intent.
“I’ve gotten comments of “You’re so articulate” or getting asked if I got where I did due to affirmative action. I’ve had conversations with people who don’t identify like myself, asking questions with the expectation that I will speak for an entire race/ethnicity of people like I’m the sole representative. This experience has impacted how I move and interact within different spaces. It has led me to have a very high guard up.”
Mateen keeps her rapport engaging and focuses on the discussion.
“I focus more on the positive interactions and let the not-so-positive interactions be a learning experience. I’m more than happy to talk about why a word or phrase is harmful to people/a specific group of people. I lead with a positive yet realistic view of life. I acknowledge what may be in front of me and what I’ve experienced AND see the best in people.”
Mateen also commented on America’s current status for racial equality, which she believes has made some progress.
“But we still have a ways to go. We have more similarities than differences, but our differences make the United States beautiful. I believe there are many people digging their heels in what they believe and how they see the world and are not willing to hear another perspective. That can prevent us from moving forward.”
One way to move forward, Mateen believes, is with continued dialogue and openness.
“Often, people don’t understand the weight of what they say to others or where their viewpoint comes from, which can cause pain. I think with more patience, love, consistency, and having the hard conversations around race, ethnicity, differences in communities, and others, we can start making more progress.”
