By: Sicily Houk, Co-Editor in Chief
It is the month of February, meaning it is Black History Month, and here at River Hill the Black Leadership Union is doing a lot of incredible things to celebrate this month. On February 16 River Hill BLU hosted a game night on the half day. On February 23 BLU-PAC hosted their annual African Diaspora event. These events gave students and staff the opportunity to celebrate together and make connections.
The Black Leadership Union has been around for a lot longer then some may have suspected. When asked in an interview how long BLU and BLU-PAC has been around, a volunteer on the Diaspora Committee Chair, Danielle Hillard, replied, “ BLU-PAC has been around over a decade. That is how far my experience goes. I cannot be certain. Definitely it was in existence in 2010. That’s the earliest record I have but it could have been a little earlier. There were parents I knew who were a part of BLU with students a little older than my eldest son.” It is incredible how long ago this organization was made and how it is still making changes in people’s lives today.
The inspiration behind what made this organization start is unsure but Hillard mainly believed it to be to make a change and help those who need it. She remarked, “I am certain it was a need for camaraderie. BLUPAC exists like the boosters or PTSA–to support our students in whatever they need. Alpha achievers did not exist, nor did Delta Scholars – SLP. AND not everyone participates in those programs. BLUPAC is for the entire Black community, which was very small–under 60 students in 2011, to get together and practice fellowship.” It is good to know that the students here at River Hill have the support there if they ever need it. This organization is there to help the students and it is amazing to see how it has grown since 2011.
BLU and the BLU-PAC have many things to offer and clearly so many remarkable attributes so it can be hard to find one thing that stands out the most to you. Although Hilliard knows exactly what her favorite thing about it is, “I’m working with the students who were officers of BLU in the past. I have appreciated their passion to ensure that all students, especially those of color, felt welcomed and included at RHHS.” Clearly these organizations put in the time and effort to make every student here at River Hill feel welcome with all the hard work and determination they have put in. When asked in an interview what his favorite thing about the BLU was, Osiris Griffin, a member of the organization replied, “My favorite thing about BLU is the community, we are an organization founded on lifting up African culture and all students at River Hill High School.”
This is seen in the events that have been so carefully planned and executed here at the school. As of recently there was the Diaspora event on February 23rd and it was a huge success. Hillard explained, “The Diaspora evening is an event we have tried to hold over the past decade. Parents of BLU (ie BLUPAC) would organize with the students a talent show and an educational event to showcase the many facets of Black people in America. The art that was shared was from all over the world- it showcased US artists like the SC Creole(Gullah Geechee) artwork as well as art from various countries and regions in Africa _ Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia and more.” The fact that they were able to put art from all over the world in this event shows how much effort they put in and how much they truly care that the students gain the most out of the experience. Osiris explained in detail some of the activities and events from that night,” The African Diaspora event began with everyone singing the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice & Sing.” The dance and step team also displayed a performance that went with the event’s theme, “Back to Our Roots.” The event was very moving, the Scholars Leadership Program read descriptions about prominent African American Women.”
Another big event that the BLU put together was the BLU Game Night. This was held in the library here at the school on February 16th. Osiris remarked, “During the BLU Game Night, the organization introduced their officer board and hosted a song guessing game with gift card prizes. About 25 students attended.” It is amazing to see the BLU take an active part in the students’ lives and try to host events that build up the River Hill community and join everyone together.
It is hopeful that BLU and the BLU-PAC will continue to grow and thrive in the future years that are to come. When asked what her hopes for the future were for BLU Hilliard said, “My hope is that students in BLU will continue to embrace their rich heritage not only during Black history month, but each and every day. They will always show up full of pride and be the examples of black excellence in every aspect of their school experience we all want to see and support. It is my hope that they will always reach out to the BLU PAC parents to help them pool resources and enable them to showcase their excellence. BLU should be a beacon to show off the Diaspora’s rich heritage to students of other cultures and backgrounds.” Osiris exclaimed, “I’d like for BLU to collaborate with other clubs and organizations, in order to spread awareness and grow our club. I’d also love for more clubs, students, and faculty to attend our African Diaspora next year.” There are high hopes for the future of these organizations, and it is clear that they are going to help students for many more years to come.