With the beginning of February comes the question of how Black History Month will be approached by Berkeley Unified School District, particularly during the first year back in-person since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.  In past years, Black History Month in BUSD differed depending on the student’s grade level, school, and teacher.

For Berkeley High School senior Shayla Avery, dance is powerful. Avery, a student in Academic Choice, is both a dancer and an activist — often at the same time.

“It is important to discuss race when teaching history because it is always a factor in our society,” stated Ty’ler Banks, a Berkeley International High School senior.

On February 16, the Parent Teacher Student Association held a student-run Black History Month celebration and discussion in lieu of their monthly meeting.  The Tuesday gathering featured speeches, songs, and presentations from members of the Berkeley Unified School District community.

This year, the Berkeley High School Parent-Teacher-Student Association is giving students an amazing new way to interact with Black History Month: the Black History Month Art Contest.

In early June of 2020, following the death of George Floyd, Berkeley Unified School District released a statement in response to the Black Lives Matter movement.

As Black History Month progresses, appreciating the contributions and change-making of Black people in all aspects of our society must be a priority. Black History Month gives people the opportunity to reflect on American history through a different lens and fully acknowledge how Black people have shaped America’s present

Every February, Berkeley High School plans events and gatherings to celebrate Black History Month. Due to the ongoing pandemic, in-person gatherings are not an option this year, adding an extra challenge to honoring Black History Month.

Located a block away from Berkeley High School on Shattuck Avenue, Angeline’s Louisiana Kitchen has been serving Southern flavors to Berkeley for 15 years, and in those years has never failed to deliver food or family.  “Angeline’s was founded by Scott Fearon and Robert Volberg in 2006,” said Tempe Minaga-Teves, co-owner and general manager of