Jaleah Williams is an IB Freshman at RHS who has made quite an impression on herself within the last few weeks. Despite being an underclassman, Williams went out of her comfort zone to do something not many people her age would have the willingness or passion to do.

As Black History Month began at the beginning of February, an idea was brought up in Williams’s home about selling Black History Month t-shirts. She instantly fell in love with the idea and ran with it. The idea was later approved by Principal Robert Bhoolai and Williams began her project. Not only was she selling shirts, but she even went out of her way to create a Black History Month spirit week for the whole school to participate in.

“Black History Month is a month where we talk about the accomplishments of other Black people. Our history is important because it is American history. Black people who have done amazing things and broken records, prove all the stereotypes wrong,” Williams said.

For Williams, she didn’t want this to be another month where students overlooked another part in her peoples history, but unfortunately, that is exactly what was happening. Williams discussed how she was dissatisfied with the lack of effort the school had been putting forth in promoting Black History Month.

“I don’t see teachers and staff promoting anything and the kids are not participating. Mr. Boohlai said we were doing trivia, a door decorating contest and presentations in the library. So far the only thing that has been done is trivia. We need to promote more and get students excited or interested,” Williams said.

Despite Williams’s frustration, she is taking it with stride and doing her best to make the most out of the current situation. She further expresses what she feels as though her obligation is to her community as a Black person in America.

“If I want to make a difference in this world, I can start by being an advocator and spokesperson for my people, while educating others how we are important, how we matter, and how we have a voice,”  Williams said.

Izzy Perez (’25), a friend of Williams and a person of color (POC), shared her sense of gratitude for the time and dedication that was put into promoting and selling the t-shirts.

“Seeing Jaleah put her heart, time, and soul to celebrate such a historic month inspires me. I am glad to have my ideas, thoughts, and feelings of this month being put into play with the people I love and adore most,” Perez said.

As Black History Month is slowly coming to a close, Williams has also outlined what she desires for people not of color to take away. She finds it important that those who are not black are informed about the history and racial inequality that still continues in our society.

“I want people to not judge us on stereotypes, prejudice or what the media portrays us to be, but to be seen as humans,” Williams said.

With William’s advice, she wants individuals to be intentional about learning the culture and the heroic people within her community, as well as informing others about it as well. More importantly, she wants people to recognize that being an ally for POC goes beyond the month of February.