The first of February marks the beginning of Black History Month, a month dedicated to the celebration of African Americans and their accomplishments in U.S. history. Since 1976, the month of February has been dedicated to learning about and honoring what African Americans have done for the country. 

Here at Rockbridge, the Student Association for Non-Discrimination (STAND) strives to emphasize the importance of celebrating Black History Month within the school and community. Dr. Bradley, the teacher sponsor for STAND, encourages the organization to highlight important issues during the month. 

“It’s a chance to spotlight some of the great figures in history who often get overlooked because history too often ignores the work and achievements of black people,” said Bradley.

STAND set out to organize a Bingo Night event to commemorate Black History Month and to educate students on important figures in the African American community while having fun. 

On Friday Feb. 3, STAND met in the school library after school to host their Bingo Night, filled with snacks, games, prizes, all while learning valuable information. STAND Liaison Sara Topsana helped organize and execute the event.

“Our bingo night featured bingo cards with the names and faces of historical (and present) Black figures that pioneered new opportunities and rights and contributed to the arts and/or sciences,” said Topsana. “We also had our callers read out a fun fact about each individual, and ended the night with a round where only the fun fact was called out as a challenge.”

Bingo boards were $1, so that the event could double as a fundraiser to help pay for STAND’s upcoming initiatives. 

Topsana enjoyed the event, and saw it as successful outreach to the student body, and a celebratory way to recognize Black History Month.

“Being present with others who were passionate to learn and to celebrate a community that is long overdue their proper recognition and celebration was easily my favorite part of the night,” said Topsana.

For more information about Black History Month and how you can celebrate, visit https://blackhistorymonth.gov/.