Students took part in a Black Out day on Friday, March 8th to show their support for the African-American community after a racist video circulated around the internet. The video displayed both Spain Park and Hoover High school students using racial slurs and comments about the Jewish and African-American community. The video has nearly 1.5 million views on Twitter.
The following Tuesday, Spain Park made it a priority to have a day off from learning and instead have class discussions relating to the video. Some students talked about how shocked they were that such racism could occur at Spain Park, while others were not surprised at all. Many individuals expressed that these discussions helped to create an open environment in which students could finally reveal their feelings about issues with race. Many minority students shared their own past experiences with racism, saying that this occurs too often. They also stated that most of the time, they’re unable to do anything to stop it.
The school principal, Mr. Larry Giangrosso, called together class meetings in the school auditorium to address the video and the steps that should be taken towards a solution. Apart from the administration, dozens of students are also taking initiative in striving for change. Several students are advocating for more open discussions about race relations in and around Spain Park. Others recommend having more cultural events and programs that celebrate student differences in hopes that everyone will be inclined to attend and participate.
These situations, however, can not be easily solved. Racism can’t just be “fixed,” but creating a safe, open environment in which variety and diversity are thoroughly encouraged is definitely a few steps in the right direction.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.
