South Jordan high school hosts first Black History Month celebration

SOUTH JORDAN, Utah — Valley High School in South Jordan held its first-ever Black History Month Celebration on Friday.

The event focused on the Black community and culture. The teacher who organized the event, Tiffany Rasmussen, says when Black history is taught in schools, the focus is often solely on traumatic things.

“Being born and raised here in Utah, I never had a Black teacher,” said Rasmussen. “And for a lot of students, I am their first black teacher. I think that students can relate to that and see themselves in that. That’s what I wanted.”

Chance Wilson spoke to students about being a business owner and being Black in Utah. He says he never had a Black teacher growing up and would’ve loved an event like this when he was in school.

“Just seeing somebody who looks like me… thrive, be successful, even to just ask questions… it would’ve meant the world to me,” said Wilson.

Wilson says he wanted students to take away from this the importance of community and being proud in your community.

Other speakers had interactive presentations about hair, fashion, music, and Black history.

Read more:

• Free screenings of “His Name is Green Flake” at BYU celebrate Black History Month