As we celebrate Black History, it is important to recognize the struggles of those who came before our time. The Civil Rights Movement was a turning point in American history, led by visionaries who believed in justice, equality, and the power of education. Activists like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Thurgood Marshall, among many others fought tirelessly against systemic barriers that had long oppressed Black communities. Their sacrifices paved the way for future generations, allowing Black students to rise as leaders, scholars, and changemakers in academic spaces.
At Walkersville High School this year, there has been a noticeable surge in Black pride and excellence, fueled by the growth of student-led organizations and the willpower of individual teenagers taking on advocating for themselves and actively chasing their dreams. Today, the legacy of these leaders lives on in these Black students who excel in their studies, take on leadership roles, and uplift their peers. Their achievements are a reflection of both their own dedication and the sacrifices of those who fought for educational equity. But what are the results of those sacrifices? How do Black students today continue to build on the foundation laid by the Civil Rights Movement? How are they uniting together and continuing to go above and beyond the old standard?
Black Student Union
The Black Student Union, or BSU, is a social group dedicated to uniting the black population of Walkersville High School through various activities and meetings. The advisors, Kim Parry and Michelle Early, have both said that there were many trials and tribulations to get to where the club is today. Parry described the startup of the club during the COVID-19 pandemic: “Once the BSU was created, it was immediately a large group with a lot of excitement and energy from the students for the new club. We were the first BSU in Frederick County, and during our first year, we had virtual meetings, which allowed students to have a safe space to explore their feelings of a post-pandemic and a post-George Floyd society. Now our meetings are more lively, but initially, it was more a safe place for students who were experiencing hardships in the pandemic and the summer of 2020 after the death of George Floyd, which were really scary experiences for students.” Since its inception the WHS BSU has been running annual events to create fellowship in the group and within the community. They have a Christmas Party in December, a BSU Spirit Week in the last week of February, and they sell friendship bracelets and candy grams as well.
Even though the group is centered around black pride, the WHS BSU isn’t exclusive to black students, as teens from various backgrounds trying to find community can join as well: “At WHS, the BSU works to promote Black and Brown pride and culture through means of various school wide activities and education on club days, where they host lively conversations. We talk about current events that impact Black students and all students at Walkersville.” For example, recently members discussed generational trauma. The students that lead the Black Student Union have been described by Ms. Parry as excellent leaders. They want to involve as many kids as possible, and want to challenge group members to think critically about society in their meetings, with topics that affect students who are a part of the group. Ms. Early said that the BSU is also focused on helping students find their voices to help shape the future and become the next leaders.
Walkersville’s Future Leaders
Students at Walkersville High School have been able to accomplish exactly what was envisioned by the BSU advisors, with multiple students soaring to new heights and standing out among their peers in unique ways. Below are just a few of Walkersville’s brightest African-American students:
Alanah Fore, Junior
Alanah is known for being on the flag football team in the fall and track and field in the winter and spring. Along with sports, she also does Debate Team, Junior Club, National Honors English/Social Studies societies, and has executive positions in the Black Student Union, Mentoring Young Men, and Step Team, although she prioritizes step the most. Alanah typically joins clubs to try new things and have fun: “I like to hang out with my friends and family a lot and go to church. My father and pastor really inspire me to keep moving forward.” Shaya, a freshman member of the step team, described Alanah’s personality: “She’s a very good person, and I love her so much. She’s a great captain and is such an inspirational leader and is very motivational. She’s like a big sister to all the step team members, and she’s so understanding of how others feel.”
Esther Odu, Senior
Esther is a senior at Walkersville, and participates in many extracurriculars such as being Vice President of Tri-M Honors Society and Student Government, Stage Manager for theatre and a drumline section section leader for Marching Band, along with being vice president of her youth group outside of school. Usually, most of Esther’s direct community involvement is within school clubs but she does like helping her church in their annual turkey drive and angel treat to give back to people.
“I mostly like community service because I’m a pretty selfish person, and I absolutely hate being bored. I despise that feeling, so in my freshman year, I decided to start joining clubs that were interesting to me until I whittled them down and left some to only have things that I’m more passionate about. It’s so incredibly rewarding to see someone smile because of the work you put in or to see someone at ease because of the help you provided.” She’s also very inspired by women entrepreneurs like Ursula Burns and CJ Walker. “I’d probably say I’m more inspired by Ursula more because she made her way through Columbia to become the first Black woman CEO of a Fortune 500 Company. Once she leaves Walkersville, Esther is planning to attend Howard to major in Biology, and wants to have a career in medicine or surgery since she likes the adrenaline rush and finds the human body to be fascinating. Max Meech, from the theatre department says of Esther: “Esther is one of my favorite seniors I’ve met. She’s so kind and joyful.”
Anthony Wilson, Senior
Anthony, although being in the NHS, BSU, concert band, and swim and football teams, is more focused on a different kind of hard work: entrepreneurship. His business of reselling sneakers, known professionally as Splash T Kicks, began as something small, and grew rapidly into what it is today. “At the start, reselling was more of my side interest,” Anthony explains. “I would watch videos, read articles, and follow successful sneaker sellers on social media so I could absorb as much as I could about the industry. After many conversations with my parents, they agreed to invest $1,000 to get me going once they saw my determination and passion for this idea.” After Splash T Kicks took off, Anthony has been able to sell sneakers to famous personalities such as NLE Choppa and French Montana, among others, and has a business that has attained more than six figures in annual sales. Anthony was inspired to start entrepreneurship from all sorts of people who pushed him to succeed: “Along the way, I came up with a personal motto: ‘Be in it, be patient, and hustle’. It means to personally commit when it’s hard to keep going, wait for the wins in life to come to you, and never settling for what I already have. Someone else will always be ready to take your place if you let your guard down, and I’ve learned that you have to be proactive and resilient to stay on top of the competition.”
There are many more African-American students who are taking full advantage of the work of those who came before and fought for a better future. Their work both within WHS and Frederick County will also leave a legacy. As the next generation of students enter these halls, they will find more opportunity and more community because of student leaders who stepped up before them. If everyone were to follow their lead, who knows what great things the future may bring?
