Black History Month is a time to recognize prominent figures in
black history and acknowledge the contributions black culture has
made to American society as a whole.
“The month is meant for everyone to broaden their horizons
and understand that there is more to being black than
slavery,” said Surafel Tsega, a second-year physiological
science student.
He added that it is helpful to have events that bring attention
to issues the black community deals with on a regular basis.
To give UCLA students a chance to voice their views about racism
and other forms of prejudice and to kick off the month, UCLA hosted
the 16th annual oratorical contest inspired by Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr.’s speeches, Thursday.
Jeremy Lalas, a fourth-year sociology student and the winner of
the contest, blamed images communicated through the mass media for
many stereotypes associated with blacks.
He also shared some of his father’s experiences in order
to make a clear point about the existence of racialized fear and
the need for change, starting with political and social
institutions.
Two students from Washington Preparatory High School in Los
Angeles also participated in the contest.
Yohance Salmon, the 16-year-old junior who won the high school
segment of the contest, spoke about the importance of mentorship
and guidance in high schools. He focused on today’s youth and
the problems he faces on a daily basis as a black high school
student.
He said the ultimate choice for black students like himself is
between college and jail, and in the most extreme cases, the wrong
road can end with death.
Though some of his peers do not believe college is the right
path for them, Salmon said he plans to attend a four-year
university and one day give back to his community by operating his
own clinic as a physical therapist.
He said the existence of mentors can be a key factor in showing
some students the way to a better future and reminding them that
hatred and fear should not cause them to limit their futures.
“It can already be seen that there are not that many black
students in this school, and there will be even fewer in the future
if they feel like the school is not actively pursuing them,”
Tsega said.
When it comes to UCLA, some of the most well-known programs on
campus are dedicated to outreach, which encourages students at the
K-12 level to attend college and to raise awareness of higher
education.
Though Tsega himself did not directly experience the benefits of
outreach, he believes outreach has been of great help with respect
to minorities and especially black students, who feel they
don’t belong in a school like UCLA.
Despite the recent budget cuts, it is essential to have outreach
throughout the state, said Timothy Mahlanza, a second-year
sociology student.
“Outreach has always played a big role with minorities
coming to UCLA. And if this guidance is taken away, these students
would not have any other source,” he added, regarding recent
budget cuts that affected outreach.
Black students and students in the inner city need to know they
will have an equal chance of making it to college, Tsega said.
He added that in a perfect world, black history would be taught
throughout the year, but it’s better to have events and shine
light on the issues for one month than never.