Terri Williams (Assistant Principal)

“Black History Month is very special for me to remember the past as well as look to the future and see all of the accomplishments that many Black citizens have made. [It] reminds us of the tremendous sacrifices our people made to be free. We need to be reminded that we don’t ever want to go back.

I’m glad that there are a lot more opportunities for Black women in particular, compared to the ones my grandmother and my late mom had as Black women. Students need to see people who look like them, whether they’re African American, Hispanic, Indian… It’s very important, especially with Black History Month, for African American students to see Black teachers and administrators because we model that ‘Hey, I can be a teacher or an administrator.’

It’s an honor to be here not only for Black kids but for all kids in particular. I want to be that administrator who Black kids can feel comfortable talking with about issues that they may not feel as comfortable telling a person of another race. Sometimes you do need someone who looks like you to reach you in ways that maybe other administrators could not.

I’m proud to be Black. I’m proud to be a Black administrator. I don’t hide who I am. I wear braids. I wear my hair naturally whenever I can. I’m just authentic and real. There are still challenges, but [these opportunities] allow me to draw inside to become stronger, to push ahead and to continue to try to be successful.”

Cilya Frank (Associate Principal)

“I have always seen Black History month as an opportunity to share accomplishments of Black people from throughout history. There are a lot of things we should know about and be proud of as a group of people.

For me, the Black experience is like a quilt. We have so many squares stitched together that represent so many things: our strength, resilience, faith, family, innovation, artistry, love and inclusiveness. The Black experience is so varied and layered and complex.

Representation is important for all people. When you have diversity and representation, you build strong relationships. Strong relationships are key [to] any successful organization.

Students and staff have to feel welcomed and included. They need to feel like people hear them and value what they have to say. They have to feel as if they are not judged negatively because of who they are, what they look like, what they believe or who they love.

In high school, there were not many people in leadership who were Black. In middle school and elementary school, there was no one of color. Other students were not kind, nor were some of the teachers. I had no one to advocate for me, no one to help when I was being called the n-word or spit on. That is why it is so important to me to be here and to advocate for kids so that things like that do not occur on my watch. I believe with all my heart any student should be able to come to school and not be afraid or made to feel ashamed. There should be a person on campus every kid feels they can go to if they need help. I try to be that person.

I am at Bellaire because Mr. McDonough hired me to be who I am. I have always been free to be passionate about what I do, to do the work I am good at and to build relationships with the kids who need me the most. I don’t try to just inspire Black students. I want all students to come to me when they need help and feel safe doing so. I want them to know even when it gets hard, you push through it.”

Alfred Lloyd (Assistant Principal)

“Black History Month is a time to celebrate culture. There’s not just one set Black history. It’s just an opportunity for everyone to come together and shine a spotlight on the celebration of Blacks and what Blacks have contributed.

I’ve learned that students really don’t care about skin color. They really care about how they’re being treated by the person, that they’re being treated like a human being, that they’re being treated with respect, that you want the best for them, that you want to see them graduate from the school.

All cultures bring something special to the table. It’s important to have a global view of the diverse population that you serve and that the administration reflects the students they serve. [Black students] have faced obstacles since education systems were created. It’s best to make sure that you speak up for yourself, you speak up for your beliefs and you have a sense of urgency to do what’s right.

Most of the challenges I see require all of us [to work] together. I require students to work with me to do the best they can do to help me do a better job.

It is every adult’s responsibility to make the best decision and advocate for parents who can’t speak up.

[When l attended Bellaire] we started to see more African American teachers, and it was rewarding because we naturally went to them for help. They look like people in our community. It made us feel better. It made us want to come to school. [I am] very proud of many of the students who followed the path and graduated from [Bellaire High School] and became very successful. My main goal is to make sure that our Black students can be [held] accountable for their success at Bellaire high school when they graduate.

I hope to one day see an African American principal at the school. I think that would be the pinnacle of Bellaire’s success and progress.”