Every February, Black History Month is celebrated, so students at Bucks took the time to recognize African American historical figures from Rosa Parks to Barack Obama, and describe the impact that these people had on them.
To begin, Rosa Parks was recognized by Hannah Lindley, 20, nursing major.
Lindley told me, “Rosa Parks is one of the black figures who I look up to. Parks is an exceptional figure who taught me how to stand up for myself and for others. I also was interested in her perseverance with getting justice for black people. She taught me how to have courage, be confident and persevere through difficult situations.”
Rosa Parks was also recognized for her bravery from another student.
Midori Robinson, 26, Criminal Justice major, looks up to Rosa Parks. Midori mentioned, “Her courage and need to do the right thing shows not only women, but all kinds of people that are treated unfairly to take a stand for yourself and fight for what you deserve.”
Martin Luther King Jr. was, of course, another favorite activist among students.
Vivian Nguyen, 23, psychology major, expressed her feelings for Martin Luther King Jr. and how he impacted America. Nguyen believes, “Without him, we would be stuck in a world where people of color would be segregated and looked down upon. Because of his actions we now have actors that are African American, Asian, Indian, etc. He fought for equality.”
Another student who also recognizes Martin Luther King Jr. is Taylor Remsing, 21, early education major. Remsing states, “The I Had A Dream speech really inspired me, and he gave light to millions of people.”
Other figures like Langston Hughes and Maya Angelou were recognized for their writing abilities, and how they impacted a student’s interest in poetry.
A student who recognized Angelou and Hughes is Amber Liczbinski, 26, a Culinary Arts major. Liczbinski revealed how Angelou and Hughes had a large impact on her childhood.
Liczbinski confessed to me, “Langston Hughes and Maya Angelou had a fairly large impact on me and my childhood. They are the reason I took an interest in poetry when I was young. The poem, “Dreams” by Hughes still sticks with me today. I will always give them credit for my love of poetry.”
One student is very proud to stand behind her beliefs of Frederick Douglass. Jacqueline Chapman, 50, social work major, was very enthusiastic to express her opinion on how Frederick Douglass impacted her. Chapman conveyed, “Frederick Douglass helped me to see that I should never underestimate myself or give up. In spite of being born a slave and having to live under the conditions and harsh treatment of slave masters, Douglass never accepted being what he was marked to be!”
Chapman also said, “Once he learned to read, his drive to be free became the fuel for him to do something about his condition. However, at one point, he almost gave up!” Chapman was very impacted by Douglass’ will to never give up, and she follows that as a life motto to, “Never Give Up!”
Most students recognized one African American for having an impact on them, but one student honored all African Americans for Black History Month.
Shawnni Rayme, 20, Nursing major, described Black History Month as a celebration for all African Americans.
Shawnni said, “No One African American person has impacted me because the truth is, they all have. A lot of the freedom I have today is because of their sacrifices. And till this very day we have black excellence among us.”
Black History Month is different for all students. Some recognize one or two figures, while others recognize all. Regardless, Black History Month is a great time for students at Bucks to show their beliefs and opinions on who had a significant impact on them.