Security guard Derrale Shaw doesn’t just talk about Black History Month.
He wears it.
Recently, Shaw has been sporting shirts featuring civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, sparking conversations in the hallways.
“Students want to understand why I wear it,” Derrale Shaw said. “I wear things like that usually year round but I feel like it’s especially important during Black History Month in order to bring light to what African-Americans have done for this country.”
Observed each February in the United States, Black History Month highlights Black excellence and the lasting contributions of African Americans. For Shaw, the month carries personal significance. His family has direct ties to the civil rights movement.
“My mother was able to be a part of the freedom march with Martin Luther King, and I have family members that were a part of the Black Panther party,” Shaw said. “It helps me to appreciate Black History Month so much more because I know my mother fought for that, my grandmother fought for that, Rosa Parks as well and what she’s done besides just sit on the back of the bus.” It doesn’t start with just men, she was a big part of black history as well.
Family history and ties to the civil rights movement bring light to the sacrifices that civil rights heroes have made. Beyond that there is a larger purpose, and something we can all take away from Black History Month.
“It’s standing for something more than yourself coming together as a community and being a person that celebrates the Contributions of African-Americans to nation. Often time we focus on the civil rights movement, but it is the effect on America. That Black people have had as a whole that really makes this month special.”
Shaw’s words of wisdom for young African-American men trying to make America better.
“Keep your head up don’t take crap from anyone make sure you understand what is being told, don’t just think you know be strong and curious know you’re worth educate yourself be happy with your skin,” Shaw said.
