Grayslake Central High School is in the middle of Black History Month, a time many see as a moment to honor the past while propelling Black excellence into the future. Students and mentors of Grayslake Central shared personal stories, ambitions, and the realities they navigate as Black students and educators. Their experiences serve as a daily reminder that history isn’t just in textbooks, but in the daily choices that shape who we become.

Grayslake Central student JaNae Shannon’s story is a portrait of artistic leadership and cultural pride. A senior at GCHS, Shannon describes herself as deeply involved in the school’s arts scene. “I’m the fine arts department intern. I help around our whole office, I’ve been in many musicals, and I also perform at our group interpretations competitions.” she said. Her leadership in theater, she says, has helped her “be more comfortable in my own skin,” and she views these roles as a way to represent Black women in the arts. When asked about her achievements beyond performance, Shannon points to organizational work like running the costumes department for multiple shows and revamping the costume room to improve efficiency. She also recalls a formative experience at a Northwestern College conference with other Black, Indigenous, and people of color (POC) students, where they discussed racism and how to foster safer, more equitable schools.

Shannon’s vision of the future blends artistry with advocacy. She aims to be a costume designer and to influence the entertainment industry in an arena she believes has long placed Black women under a narrow beauty standard. “When I was growing up as a Black woman, it was very much like, ‘Black women weren’t beautiful.’ Black ‘women weren’t talented’,” she said, reflecting her stance of resilience in the face of gatekeeping. Her message to younger students is direct. “Be yourself. Don’t let randos tell you to fit in a box. You belong wherever you want to be.”

Kayla Mulloy, a junior at Grayslake Central with a mixed heritage, adds another thread to the story: the everyday realities and aspirations of a student. Mulloy describes herself as biracial with Irish and African American heritage, and as a student who has balanced academics with athletics. Her “honor roll every quarter” and participation in varsity flag football and softball are some of her proudest accomplishments. Her goals are rooted in the classroom and in teaching. “I want to be a teacher and because I’m biracial a lot of biracial kids especially me as a kid, got bullied for having curly hair and not being white enough or Black enough. I want to be someone that children can be like ‘hey like she’s just like me’ or ‘hey we share something in common.’ ‘Oh, she has curly hair. I have curly hair too.’ ‘Oh she’s tan, I’m tan too.’” Mulloy acknowledges the social challenges that can accompany biracial identity labels like “whitewashed,” which she’s heard for adopting a mainstream style yet, she emphasizes authenticity and resilience. “Be yourself, but, remember your roots and who you are as a person, and don’t just be like ‘well, my friends are this way and you’re that way.’ Nobody likes a fake.”

For Reggie McClure, a Grayslake Central teacher, coach and Black Student Union sponsor, Black History Month is a call to broaden the school’s understanding of Black achievement. He frames the month as a chance to spotlight both the people who shaped history and the contemporary students who are carving out new paths. “Many students and adults are unaware of the incredible contributions that have been made by Black people in our society. This is a perfect opportunity, considering that students may not learn about any,” he said.

He also noted the importance of celebrating all students and making resources accessible and visible, not assuming everyone has the same information or opportunities. He emphasized the importance of fostering a sense of identity through a safe, open environment where students feel seen and heard. “Our youth need to be praised, and they need to know they are seen and heard,” he said. McClure also envisions a future where Black history and culture are recognized beyond the confines of Black History Month. “I would like to see more opportunities outside of BHM, where important figures are celebrated,” he said. “I would like to see all of our students of color being spotlighted more in their various achievements throughout the year.” McClure reflected on the importance of Black History Month and the Black excellence on display at Grayslake Central on a daily basis. He said “Keep fighting, keep working, and don’t stop until you get to where your goals are. You may get knocked down along the way, but that does not mean your journey is over… You have more power and control than you know!”