Senior Roveschney Veillard is the Event Coordinator for BSU. She is in charge of planning and executing events, including but not limited to the Black History Month show, events in the school and functions outside the school that involve the club. Photo by Jasmine Bhogaita.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
"Black History Month means a lot of things to me. This is a month that is most dedicated to learning more about the struggles and challenges black/African American people have had to overcome. However, to me it’s more than that, it’s not just the trials and tribulations but also the excellence and strength that we present to the world. It's also me taking pride in the people that have come before me and helped me get to the moment that I am in currently. This is not just a one month thing for me, but it’s a year-round celebration."
What improvements could the school make to be more inclusive?
"Like anything, there’s always room for improvement and something I think the school can do to become more inclusive is to have more staff that shows people of ALL COLORS, especially in the guidance and admissions office. It’s important to have representation in all different aspects of the school as well as those that guide us and hold leadership roles in the school."
How are you celebrating black culture/excellence?
"I celebrate it every day by being who I am and doing the best that I can. I like to show that through creative aspects like stepping and dancing. In terms of Black Month Show, I made sure to take a leadership role of planning and executing the show just to encompass a lot of aspects from black culture."
How would you describe Black History in one word?
"Powerful."
Do you feel like MSD truly values black history?
"There is no denying that MSD is a predominantly-white school with predominantly-white staff. There have been huge developments in educating the school about black history and the importance of BHM. However I do hope to see a better development/improvement in educating students on this topic not just in this month, but also year round."
Why do you think the BSU is important? How are you displaying your culture through the show? (ex. educating students, sharing cultures)
"BSU is important because as stated before, MSD is a predominantly-white institution so it is imperative that we have and create spaces of inclusivity and acceptance, which BSU provides. The way I’m displaying my culture is being in a leadership position (event coordinator), being a choreographer for the show (step team), leading choir for the show, being a dancer for the show and showing my culture. Just being heavily involved with BSU and BHM."
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
"Yes, to everyone reading, stand up for what you support and be kind to others."