Representation matters. Young people’s ideas of what’s possible are shaped by what they know has already been done. Dr. Carter G. Woodson who is often revered as “the Father of Black History,” created Negro History Week in 1926 specifically to address the link between knowledge and inspiration.

“Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history.”

In addition to the benefits to black students, being exposed to black history also benefits nonblack students. As University of Texas professor Keisha Bentley-Edwards explains: “When we study any other group, we recognize the fullness of their humanity.”



But what are students being taught at Montpelier High School? Not nearly enough, according to Montpelier pastor Jean Javier-Duval.

One student speaker shared how she only learned about three major moments in black history as a student of the Montpelier schools - the Emancipation Proclamation, Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement, and the O.J. Simpson trial.

Wait … what?

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Montpelier’s black students also opened up about the way other students treat them, shocking school officials.

The students shared what Ricca described as “very difficult things” they had heard in the halls of the high school. “There were things said that were simply … not acceptable to me as a superintendent and also as a human,” Ricca said.

The administration seems committed to continuing the work.

“I’m not going to be naive, but it’s important to us that we are taking the appropriate steps to try to engage in this conversation thoughtfully,” Ricca says. “For our students and our community, it’s important to know that we still have work to do."

In a surprise to nobody, the school received negative coverage from Breitbart!

A Vermont high school has announced that it will fly the Black Lives Matter (BLM) flag during Black History Month, though many feel it is a domestic terror outfit.

“SCHOOL DENOUNCED FOR PLANS TO FLY BLACK LIVES MATTER FLAG,” another Fox headline blares. Again, no revelation there.



Then the threats began. Against children. Then, in a slightly less predictable move, an actual GOP politician also spoke out.

The decision to fly the flag had drawn criticism from Republican state legislator Thomas Terenzini, who told WPTZ this week that the school was setting "a bad example." "I don't see myself as being a bigot or prejudiced but I just don't think that Black Lives Matter is a national organization to look up [to]," Terenzini said.

But Montpelier High School was ready.

Principal Mike McRaith said the school has gotten phone calls, emails and comments on social media, including some calling the national Black Lives Matter movement anti-police. He said he invited Montpelier police to attend to show that is not the school's message. "Thank you for understanding that the decision to fly the Black Lives Matter flag this month at Montpelier High School is not anti-police. It is anti-bias," McRaith said. "Thank you for understanding that we reject any purported violence associated with Black Lives Matter and embrace the message of equity for all."

The school plans to fly the flag all month long in honor of Black History Month. After making national headlines, the threats and hate mail are likely to continue against these kids.



With that in mind, the folks over at the Good Men Project, with the permission of an MHS teacher, are inviting and encouraging folks to send letters of support to the students.

If anyone is willing to write a note of support to the students or principal, that would be much appreciated. Our principal and superintendent are dealing with hate calls and hate mail around the clock right now and any positive affirmation means a lot to them.



I think the students have been fairly insulated so far but I really worry about them once they become more aware. Racial Justice Alliance c/o Montpelier High School Montpelier, VT 05602

Who’s in?