What Black History Means — Today and for the Future
Black History Month is a time to honor the past, recognize the present and look ahead. It began as a way to ensure Black history was taught, shared and remembered. Today, it is also about listening, especially to the voices that shape our future.
This year marks 100 years of national Black history commemorations. The observance began with historian Carter G. Woodson and others who believed Black history must be studied, preserved and told in full. What started as Negro History Week grew into Black History Month, creating space for stories that had long been excluded from classrooms.
This year, Highline is centering student voices. We asked students from across our schools one question:
What does Black history mean to you — today and for the future?
Students share their reflections in their own words. They speak to their identity and pride. They reflect how Black history continues to shape who they are and where they are going as learners, leaders and creators.
This work connects directly to Our Promise. In Highline, we are committed to knowing every student by name, strength and need. That includes creating space for students to see themselves in history and to share what that history means to them now and moving forward.
Amen Amanuel, 12th Grade
Raisbeck Aviation High School
"Black history means taking what we’ve learned from impactful Black leaders and implementing that into our communities to make meaningful change."
Taz Francois, 11th Grade
Maritime High School
“Black history means celebrating our culture — the food, the gatherings and the traditions. It is about preserving our heritage so future generations and families can continue to carry it forward.”
KJ Scott, 12th Grade
Puget Sound Skills Center
“Black history means importance, resilience and creativity. It is about understanding the positive impact of Black communities. Looking ahead, I want to continue promoting a positive Black community and supporting efforts to build safe, welcoming spaces for everyone.”
Jabarie Lindsey, 12th Grade
Innovation Heights Academy
"Black history is culture, community and togetherness."
Kamaiah Robinson, 12th Grade
Puget Sound Skills Center
“Black history means honoring the sacrifices made by the people who came before me. Their sacrifices helped shape this country and create more freedom and equity in our communities.
Those sacrifices made it possible for people like me to have the freedoms we have today. It also means recognizing our ancestors who were on this land before us. That history is not always shared.
Looking ahead, Black history means new leaders being born, more voices and opinions being valued, and a deeper understanding for others of what it means to be Black and brown in this country.”
Hibaq Osman, 12th Grade
Tyee High School
“Black History Month is a time to understand the impact Black people have had on our country and our world — not just in the past, but today. It’s about learning different stories, recognizing the struggles, dedication and achievements, and understanding how they shaped the society we live in now.
For me, Black History Month is about awareness and respect. It reminds me to appreciate Black culture, the voices behind it and the history connected to it, while also recognizing how the past continues to affect people today.
Looking ahead, Black history pushes me to do better. It inspires me to keep learning, stand up for equality and help create a future where everyone is valued. It’s not just about remembering the past. It’s about using those lessons to build something better for youth.”
Ciara Taylor, 12th Grade
Puget Sound Skills Center
“Black history means embracing our past and understanding how it shapes who we are today. When people stay stuck in the past, it can hold them back. Embracing it helps us grow, shapes who we are and makes us better.”
Erica Mukendi, 10th Grade
Mount Rainier High School
“Black History Month means a lot to me because it shows me how to be strong and independent, no matter what challenges come my way.”
Mengis Ablelome, 12th Grade
Puget Sound Skills Center
“Black History means strength, courage and leadership. It reflects the journey from Harriet Tubman leading enslaved people to freedom to Martin Luther King Jr. fighting for our civil rights.
It is also a time to come together and celebrate what Black people have experienced and created over the years. Looking ahead, I want to see more Black leaders, more leadership in local business and stronger support from our communities.”
Peyton Hatch, 12th Grade
Highline Virtual Academy
“Black history means understanding where we come from and recognizing the strength and impact of Black people over time. It’s not just something we learn about in the past. It continues to shape who we are today. Looking ahead, those lessons help create more opportunity, representation and positive change for future generations.”
Azarianah King, 11th Grade
Evergreen High School
“Black history means activism, strength in community and diversity. It reflects the work of Martin Luther King Jr. and other Black activists who fought for our rights.
Looking ahead, it means Black excellence. Moving beyond racism and toward a future where we are fully seen, valued and no longer treated as a minority.”