The Importance of Black History in a 5th graders eyes

The boys and girls at McKay have started a new tradition this winter, “Teammate Tuesday”.  Tuesday study halls are particularly focused on enrichment and team building, while the rest of the week is still dedicated to academic growth and school work success.  

Recently the Teammate Tuesday activity was all about the nuts and bolts of a good blog post!
Coach Mern challenged the McKay girls to choose a topic which highlights the impactful stories within and surrounding the organization from the perspective of our own student athletes.

Below is a blog written by 5th grade student - athlete, Sophia Ramirez, on the importance of Black History. 

“My name is Sophia Ramirez . I’m a 5th grader on the Harlem Lacrosse McKay team. In ELA I learned about Black History Month and why it is important.  In class we were asked to write a one page essay about what we learned about Black History Month and to put black history in our own words. The following was my essay:

“Have you ever wondered why we celebrate Black History Month? Well It all began in 1909 by NAACP (National Association of Colored People). This month is to appreciate black people . The NAACP decided to create Black History Month because they wanted black people to be realized for things they did and to be appreciated. This is very important because black people used to be slaves .

Slavery started in the 1600 and ended in the 1865 when Abraham Lincoln passed on a law that slavery was not legal but things were still not fair. That was when segregation was born. What is segregation you may ask? Well segregation is when African Americans and white people could not be together.  For example: black people could not use the same water fountain, restrooms, church’s, etc. as white people. So black people were being mistreated. That’s why today we celebrate Black History Month and black people today.”  What I learned from this assignment is that everyone should be treated equally no matter their race.  This project impacted me because I learned that Black History Month is to appreciate and recognize those who did great things but were not recognized in their time.  I think that black history should not only be celebrated in a month but should be thought of every day of the year.”

Thanks to the Harlem Lacrosse - McKay Teams for their focus and commitment to the lesson.  We are looking forward to seeing more student writing posted in the future.