Last week, Highfields’ students and staff gathered in the dining room of our Onondaga campus to celebrate Black History Month. Highfields’ staff worked hard to prepare a delicious meal for all to enjoy. Dishes included ribs, chicken, catfish, collard greens, yams, shrimp, potato salad, cornbread, and much more!
“Black History Month is important to me because black people throughout history have fought against racism and paved the way for black people today,” said Javid, Highfields’ residential student.
The students ate dinner while the walls of the dining hall were decorated with photos and stories of prominent African Americans such as Barack Obama, Jesse Owens, Harriet Tubman, Charlie Parker and so many more.
Earlier in the month, residential staff took the students on a field trip to the Wharton Center on Michigan State’s campus that included traditional jazz music. Javid said, “The jazz music was cool, it was a very relaxing night.”
Highfields’ residential students are given numerous opportunities while in our program, and we believe teaching and celebrating black history is an important priority.
“Black History Month is a time where we can reflect on the important role, triumphs and leadership that Black people have played in America,” said Brian Philson, Highfields’ President and CEO. “It is also a time for us to think deeply about our own personal role in achieving racial justice and in our pursuit of becoming antiracist individuals.”
Highfields prides itself on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we’re excited to celebrate and honor black history with our students and staff.