How Paramount Educators See Black History in the Classroom

As we celebrate Black History Month, we recognize the importance of not only honoring historical figures but also reflecting on the ongoing contributions of Black individuals in shaping the world we live in today. This month, we're excited to highlight some of our incredible staff members, whose work and dedication make a lasting impact in the field of education. They’ll share their insights on how Black history plays a vital role in shaping our educational landscape, fostering inclusive environments, and inspiring future generations. Join us as we explore their stories and celebrate the powerful influence of Black history in education.

Taria Redding, Administrative Assistant

What book or movie has influenced your understanding of Black history?

Alex Haley's Queen is based on the true story of Alex Haley's grandmother, Queen Jackson Haley.

What is your favorite Black history quote or saying?

When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.- Maya Angelou

Turrell O’Neal, Guidance Counselor

How can we continue to celebrate Black culture year-round?

Black History is American History, and Black Culture is the foundation/inspiration for a lot of the things we enjoy within the overall American Culture. Acknowledging this truth would be the start to year-round celebration.

What role does representation in education play for Black students?

Representation in education for Black students is important because it plays a part in how they see themselves. A lack of representation could cause Black students to feel unimportant, invisible, or like they do not have anyone they identify with. I experienced my first black educator as a high school student. Until then, there was not an educator that I fully felt understood me and could speak to me in a way others could not.

Darius Garner, Music Teacher

What is your favorite Black history quote or saying?

One of my favorite quotes is by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “A riot is the language of the unheard.” This quote resonates deeply with me because it highlights the importance of ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. When people of color are intentionally ignored, it becomes a call to action—a reminder that our presence and our voices matter.

What is one moment in Black history that stands out to you the most?

It’s difficult to pinpoint just one moment because those closest to my personal experience have been the most impactful. For example, I felt immense pride when one of my oldest and closest friends became Indiana’s first-ever Chief Equity, Inclusion & Opportunity Officer. I also cherish the memory of being part of the only HBCU choir invited to perform at President George W. Bush’s second inauguration.

Sharita O'Neal, Elementary Teacher Grade 4

What role does representation in education play for Black students?

Representation in education plays a critical role for Black students. It can contribute in helping to establish rapport, trust, inclusion, recognition, and an overall connection. Coming from a background of being the only student of color in the majority of my classes as a child, I had to look for connections elsewhere. I observed how my non-Black classmates had people that looked like them everywhere they went–in both aspects of students as well as teachers. And unfortunately, many of my teachers did not understand or simply underestimated the impact of the lack of representation. I did not have a Black teacher until I was in high school. It was then that I knew what it felt like to have someone like me in a leadership role at school. I found myself experiencing a different level of comfortability and more importantly, a new level of confidence in myself at school. I’m truly grateful to Mrs. Diane Blakemore and the positive impact she had on my life as a student, a young Black woman, and as an educator. I’m so proud to say that I am now in a position to have a similar impact on the lives of my own Black students.

In what ways has a Black leader impacted your life or community?

Retired Army captain, 2016 Miss USA, and highly requested motivational speaker, Deshauna Barber has positively impacted my life. As a people, we face different forms of challenges that stem from issues that have existed for hundreds of years. This can create an overwhelming sense of helplessness and quite honestly, defeat. The first time I heard Barber speak, I was hooked. I instantly inserted myself into her following. I knew that people needed to hear her message to the world. I’m a firm believer that sometimes you simply have to do like the song says and encourage yourself. This manifests when I hear her story. Listening to her speak can lift anyone from their lowest points. She is also a phenomenal role model for our young women, and I appreciate her transparency when she speaks about her experiences as a Black woman in different settings.

Morgan O’Neal, Physical Education Teacher

How can educators better incorporate Black history into the curriculum?
Educators must first study Black history themselves to be comfortable and knowledgeable before they can delve into it with their students. Following research and much self reflection, they can better incorporate Black history into curriculum by deliberately selecting materials that are inclusive of Black culture. Standards and assignments can be the same, but the reading material can be more inclusive. The names in word problems can be more diverse. The options of research topics can include more topics directly related to Black people and Black history.

What role does representation in education play for Black students?
Representation in education plays an imperative role for Black students by allowing them to not only see themselves in the curriculum, but see a future world with them in it. Students who see themselves in curriculum feel included, feel seen.
When curriculum is directly related and applicable to students, they are more likely to grasp it and hold on to it. Thus, leaving them with a well-rounded, invaluable education no one can take from them.

Tiara Luckey, 7th Grade Math Teacher

What is your favorite Black history quote or saying?

“Have a vision. Be demanding.” —Colin Powell

“Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.” —Booker T. Washington

Tamia Chase, K-2 Special Education Teacher of Record

What is one Black scholar or academic whose work you admire?

I think a black scholar or academic whose work I admire is Dr. Joy Harden Bradford who started the company Therapy for Black Girls. I think her work is so inspiring because she is creating space for a group of people who often are overlooked when it comes to mental health. Her work helps black women and offers representation in a field where that is often absent, since so many women in the black community struggle with mental health but there is such a huge stigma around getting help. I just think her work is really inspiring.

Why is it important to teach Black history in schools?

I think teaching black history is so important to teach in schools but it is often glazed over. We get one month and that’s it. There are so many things in history that shapes the black community today and often we are not even aware of that history. As an adult, I’ve learned so much about black history and I often wonder, why didn’t I learn this in school. Knowledge is power and without the knowledge of our history, we can’t critically think about the choices and decisions we are making in the present and for future generations. Black history is American history and it should be taught.

Dara Jeffries, 5th Grade Teacher

My favorite BHM quote is

“It is a time to remember that Black history is American history. Just the other day, I was commenting that there was a record number of five Black United States senators currently serving — an incredible testament to how far we have come, and also a stark reminder of the work that remains to be done.” — Reverend Raphael Warnock, U.S. senator

Why is it important to teach Black history in schools?
A lot of people think that segregation happened hundreds of years ago, but in reality we all have someone in our lives that was alive to remember segregation. Ask a family member, your parents, grandparents,a cousin or an aunt or an uncle. Someone will have a story to tell. Ruby Bridges is only 70 years old. We have come so far since then, but we still have a long way to go. When teaching Black History, we must remember these little known facts and bring it to light for our students so they know as well. They are trying to put our light out, but as the next generation we must make our light shine.