Throughout the U.S., Americans are currently celebrating Black History Month; February is the month in which many schools and organizations strive to recognize African American achievements, as well as refresh everyone on African American history.

                With 12.4 percent of the population being African American, African Americans have played an important role in U.S. history.

There are many famous  African Americans living today, such as the poet Maya Angelou, former basketball player, Michael Jordon, actor, Denzel Washington, talk show host, Oprah Winfrey, singer, Stevie Wonder, and President Barack Obama.

                African-American, sophomore Jay Pritchett said he believes that Black History Month is a great opportunity for all African-Americans.

                “Black history month is a great time to show how black history has evolved over the years,” Pritchett said.  “Things coming so far as for the U.S. to have a black president is really amazing.”

Being a part of a minority doesn’t make a big difference in Pritchett’s life, he said, though it still affects him occasionally.

“I strive to set higher goals for myself when people don’t believe in me just because of my skin color,” Pritchett said.  “I want to overcome how people label me.”

                Pritchett said he would like to see more people get involved with Black History Month.

                “Just because it’s not really mentioned at Randall doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be celebrated,” Pritchett said.  “Students should make it more than just another month in the year and learn something about African-Americans [their] history.”