February 1st begins the annual celebration of Black History Month, which has been recognized as a national holiday since 1926. To celebrate the month, posters of significant black figures were hung around the school, quietly reminding students of the impact such people have made in society. But Alonnie J. ’17 and Sthefany S. ’17 seized the opportunity to further explain why it is so important to celebrate this month during an eye-opening town meeting.
Alonnie and Sthefany spoke to the upper school about Black History month and how race plays a part in our lives today. First, they displayed a powerpoint presentation that briefly explained the extensive history behind the month. While some facts were new and interesting for some, the presentation was meant to serve as a foundation The facts served as to prepare students for the shocking trailer of the Netflix documentary “13th”.
The 13th amendment, which was passed in congress following the abolishment of slavery, states: “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction”. This may seem harmless at first glance, but “The 13th” explains how prisons have exploited the punishment segment, thus treating prisoners like slaves. What’s more is that prisons are primarily composed of black Americans
The unjust mass incarceration of black Americans serves as the focal point of “The 13th”. Most of these black prisoners are serving time for small crimes, yet they are subjected to cruel treatment. As terribly ironic as it may be, the 13th amendment continues another lesser known form of slavery, once again oppressing black Americans. All this new information was encapsulated in a two-minute trailer, leaving students shocked and wanting to learn more about this prevalent issue.
“We tend to think that when the Emancipation Proclamation was passed, all forms of slavery were abolished.” Danielle S. ’18 says. “Mass incarceration is just slavery in another form that is not as visible.”
This town meeting was one of the most memorable aspects of Hewitt’s celebration of Black History Month this year. Drawing on the historical oppression of black Americans and analyzing current issues about racial discrimination fosters independent, critical thoughts. Hopefully, this will motivate students to continue the fight for racial equality, no matter what month it is.