Black History Month at OHS

By Jackson Nester

Picture of students observing the Tulsa Race Massacre Banners, taken by Jackson Nester.

As we all know, February is the month that America celebrates the deep, rich history of Black culture. In relation, one of the most significant events that happened in the Tulsa area in regards to Black history was the Tulsa Race Massacre that occurred in 1920. This was an awful event that took place about a century ago, but it is now finally being unveiled for everyone to learn from. In fact, the OHS library put up four banners to remember the tragic event. The banners consist of facts and pictures that highlight the event on the day it happened and the months after. They also show the lack of help that the Black community received after the massacre took place and how they were disregarded by not only the Tulsa area, but the nation.  

Some teachers took their classes to go look at the banners and allow them to recognize the injustice that took place a century ago so close to home. This allows students that might have not been educated about the event, or even been misinformed, to learn and grow. 

However, this is not the only way Black history is being remembered here at Owasso. Some of our students here at Owasso take time with their family and themselves to learn and look back on some of the history that took place. One of these students is senior Isaiah Sells who celebrates the month with his family. 

“One tradition we have is going to church [and] discussing Black history, and when we were younger [my mom] would have us find important Black people in our community and write about them,” Sells explained. 

This is a great way to explore the extensive amount of Black history, but this is especially important because it allows you to find out how much of an impact Black people have had on the community right around you. Whether it be a restaurant, business, church or park, it's likely that African-Americans had a big part in its founding. 

However, instead of just celebrating Black history in February, Sells has a bigger goal in mind for not only his family, but for everybody. 

“[I]t’s really a year around thing for us to celebrate Black history and Black excellence no matter the month really,” Sells expressed. 

This is an extremely important message for the community because oftentimes Black history is only looked at one month of the year. When in reality we should be acknowledging and learning about Black history year around.