Milford School District Board of Education recognized the Milford High School Black Student Union at a recent meeting. The group was commended for the Milford 11 and Black History Night they put together in January.
“We had originally planned to recognize them in February, but then a snowstorm happened,” School Board President Scott Fitzgerald said. “Then we planned it for March and that meeting went virtual and we cancelled all presentations. And then, of course, last month we had quite a few presentations scheduled as well. We certainly did not want to overlook the hard work and accomplishments of this group.”
Members of the Black Student Union introduced themselves and thanked the board for their support.
“We started this about three or four years ago with just a few students, but it has grown to over 30,” Jessenia Carranza, advisor for the group said. “We just want to provide a safe space for students to be able to come together, encourage and uplift each other and just provide positivity around the school. That was why he wanted to do the Black History Month program. It was a lot of work, but these ladies and gentlemen and all the other members put forth a lot of effort and put it together. I do think it came out beautifully, along with one that happened at Milford Middle School.”
Carranza explained that the programs were a way for the young people to showcase their talent and get other students involved.
“We wanted them to do things they have never done, like read a poem and things like that,” Carranza said. “Just allowing them to have the experience they have not had. We are proud of all of the members. Any student in school can join the Black Student Union, so it is just a way for them to come together, have positive conversation, and just encourage one another.”
LaToya Bonville, who is also an advisor for the group, echoed the sentiments of Carranza.
“I just commend them for their commitment,” Bonville said. “I know a lot of these kids are in sports and different clubs and have a lot going on in their lives, so just the commitment that they put forth this year has been very respectable. One thing about student clubs is that they are for the students, so when you have students who are active and engaged, it makes it better. I just want to thank them for their commitment.”
Fitzgerald thanked the students and the advisors for their work in promoting the Black Student Union.
“It’s educators like yourself that put together these opportunities,” Fitzgerald said. “It’s very beneficial for our students to feel as though they’re part of the organization, that they make a difference The influence that you’ve had on not just the black history celebrations, but just overall impact on the culture and diversity that we have here in our district is worth celebrating. We thank you all for being here tonight. We will be looking forward to next year’s black history events.”
