Engineering teacher Kevin Tracey is a BSU sponsor. "It took some time to think about it and they got some more sponsors involved, so I decided to go ahead and tell them that I would," Tracey said. Photo by Chelsea Townsend.
What is your role in the BSU as a sponsor?
"This is my first year sponsoring BSU. I will be the technical advisor. So I'm going to be over the light, sound and so forth and make sure that all of that is working properly."
Why did you choose to become a sponsor?
"Well, the students asked me before school started and I took some time to think about it because I know that my time is limited, because I was doing the robotics team as well. And so it took some time to think about it and they got some more sponsors involved, so I decided to go ahead and tell them that I would."
How do you think the Black History Month show exemplifies black history or black culture?
"I think they show a lot of the beginning of the culture as far as what they did in the past as African Americans, music, dance and so forth, and then they translated that into today's world and the different cultures, Caribbean and so forth, that they are great."
What does Black History mean to you?
"Black History means a time to reflect on our past and what we've been through as a people and how we can progress from that."
Is there anything you're doing specifically to celebrate?
"Not this year and nothing specifically now."
Do you feel students are being properly educated enough on Black History at MSD?
"I think so. I think so. I think at one point, we had a teacher that taught him like history. He retired and no one else filled that spot, but I thought that was a unique thing because I have never been to a school where they actually taught black history as a lesson."
What is your opinion on the banning of AP African American History classes in schools?
"I think that it is political in nature. I didn't see no one complaining about these classes before and I don't think that they bring any harm to the community. The only thing that it does is open your eyes to what is really happening and get it for free. So everything the LGBTQ community incorporate Corporation, African Americans export rates, those who are just brown people who come here, and how they are affected by society as a whole."
What can MSD do to promote the curriculum of teaching African American history?
"I think we should get the AP course here. If not, we should get back to teaching black history. Not just black history, but just the history of indigenous people and those who migrated here for a better life because America is a country that benefits those who come here for a better life. And I think that will be a good lesson for them."
What's your opinion on the inclusivity of MSD right now?
"I was disappointed. It doesn't really reflect on MSD but I was disappointed in the school board rule and having students that live in a certain area, which is a little low income area, to go to another school, because that will affect the diversity that's in the school. However, I think MSD as a unit, I think we have work to do to really integrate everyone. I think we're almost separated by whites here, blacks are here and so forth. I noticed that, I suppose. I think if we have some student leaders that integrate everyone and help everyone to just get together, get to know each other, get to know and love each other's culture. I think that would be a great help for the school. So anything else you want to add about the show? I think the show is a positive reflection on what our students can do best that's positive. and I think they did everything themselves. We did a few tweaks here and there, but I think it's a great reflection of the students what they could do, when they are creative."