On Feb. 22 the Feminist Club, the African American Association and the East African Association joined together to celebrate Black History Month and, more specifically, to appreciate the resilience and strength of Black women.

Senior and president of the AAA club Joshua Percy stepped into the spotlight with a mission to educate on how the high school experience should be inclusive for all, especially for Black students who found themselves underrepresented in advanced classes.

“The changes I’d like to see in regards to racial equity is making efforts toward making 5.0 classes more welcoming for Black students…and I think the key to fixing this would be hiring more Black teachers to teach those classes, “ Percy said. “[That] would make the classes feel way more open to the Black students who usually feel too discouraged to challenge themselves with a 5.0 class.”

One of the notable figures showcased during the presentation was Angela Davis, a civil rights activist and scholar known for her advocacy against racial and gender oppression. This gave the listeners someone that they could look up to.

“I hope that the girls know that there are people that will try and keep them silent, but they are worth more than they think,” senior and co-president of EASA Lydia Elias said. “They should be able to get the same treatment that others do”

As the meeting unfolded, Elias spoke about her negative experiences attending Bellaire as a Black woman.

“I shared my story because I know how hard it is to feel like no one is going to listen or hear what you have to say,” Elias said. “But just because I think people won’t listen doesn’t stop me from speaking up when I am being mistreated and I want the other girls to know that there will always be someone to listen to them no matter”

Members such as junior Suzana Gaym felt “glad” this meeting took place as she felt it allowed others of different races and genders to be able to get a sneak peak into what [Black people] face on a daily basis.

Amidst these reflections, Percy shared his perspective, emphasizing the school’s commitment to showcasing racial equity.

“I think we do a pretty great job at showcasing racial equity at Bellaire. We have all these great cultural clubs, cultural club events and BISA.”

As Percy geared up for the upcoming Black History Month Performance, he acknowledged that the preparation was no walk in the park. Despite the challenges, he expressed satisfaction and joy in taking on the task.

“It’s cost me a whole lot of work and stress,” Percy said. “But I’m so happy that we’re even doing this, because we had not been having these as a regular thing.”

His vision extended beyond the present, envisioning a future where the school’s Black history program became an annual tradition, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.

“Before last year there hadn’t been one in over five years, and my ultimate goal is for there to eventually be one annually, and for there to be a precedent of what the Bellaire Black history program should be for years to come.”

For more information, join African American Association’s remind @bellaireaa, the East African Student Association remind @easacl and the Feminist Club’s remind @yayfemclub.