[Editor’s Note: Last week at Culver City High School, a group photo of the school’s Black Students Union, garbed in black in honor of Black History Month, turned up on social media in distorted form with a blatantly racist caption. BSU President Akili Rikondja told this newspaper: “The picture represents unity, pride for our culture, and a celebration for all that the club has accomplished thus far. We are still extremely disappointed with how the entire situation was handled. But we are all diligently working together to make sure a similar situation doesn’t happen again in the future.” The Black Students Union issued the statement below.]
Good morning, everyone. Due to the incident that took place last Friday, Feb. 26, and as the leaders of the Black Student Union, we would like to express our feelings regarding the situation and positive aspects in the process.
First and foremost, we have to acknowledge and appreciate our BSU members and everyone for exemplifying leadership and representing our club in a positive manner.
Contrary to belief, BSU had not been denied the right to wear black or take a club picture.
BSU, as a whole, along with several other students, felt disrespected and disappointed with the immediate action taken.
We recognize the administration never had the intention to offend the student body, only to ensure safety.
However that’s not how it was perceived at the time. Administration has shown their commitment by being pro-active and supporting cultural awareness among our school community in working with BSU in this endeavor.
In regards to the picture that was shared on social media with the unjustifiable and demeaning caption, we, as a club and as a school, have zero tolerance for such blatant disrespect.
Although some have taken this light-heartedly, jokes about oppression are never acceptable.
In light of this event, we collectively agree and admit that our school isn’t perfect. Race is an issue everywhere, and that doesn’t exclude our campus.
However, we also believe that the actions of an individual should not define Culver City High School students, staff, and community.
We appreciate everyone’s support. We will continue to unite in the face of adversity, despite ignorance. We aspire to move forward from this unfortunate event and encourage unity within our club, our school, and our community.
Adili Rikondja is president of the Black Students Union. Nia Williams and Raegan Harris are vice presidents.
We have a daughter at the High School and received a call from the school about this. The kids know about it and there has been a huge amount of condemnation amongst the student body sparking some really valuable conversations. It’s horrible, stupid and ignorant and I wish it hadn’t happened but I hope that some positivity, strength and unity comes out of this.
Thank you to the three articulate young women who wrote this article. It is dignified, mature and well written and should serve as a lesson in both journalism and the power of unity.
The Editor of this ‘blog’ has promoted racial division in Culver City. Maybe he would like to retract his previously inflammatory statements and learn from these smart young women.
It is a shame that an real journalistic inquiry into this incident has not taken place.
I and many other parents and students, do not feel this has been taken as seriously as it should have been. It seems as if the district would like us to forget the incident as if it never happened and not allow us to question further what happened between staff and students that day. A student writing an article is very different than a adept investigative advocate. There have been a few concerning incidents within the school district that have been swept under the rug with no real reporting. Shame on this page for not taking this more seriously.