Jesuit High School Sacramento will hold a Black History Assembly on Friday, Feb. 14, to commemorate the contributions of many Black Americans, as well as the achievements of our own African American alumni in the world.

This year, Jesuit is hosting four panelists to speak about their contributions after high school. Ron Barrow Jr. ’98 serves as an associate pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Dr. Caron Houston, M.D. is an internal medicine physician specializing in individualized care for adult patients. Ben Sharpe ’99 received a masters in civil engineering from Stanford University and a PhD in civil engineering from University of California, Davis. Dean of Students La Roddric Theodule has educated students in the Catholic school system since 2002.

This year’s assembly will focus on the vital role that Black Americans have played in shaping various industries and advancing America as a whole. For Dean Theodule, the Black History assembly is more than a time to focus on past struggles: it’s a time to celebrate the contributions of Black Americans.

“This year’s theme is labor, and so we’re gonna talk very specifically about the ways that Black Americans have contributed to labor within the United States,” Dean Theodule said. “Again, hopefully that’s just a catalyst for us to think about ways that we’re seeing it happen everyday around us now and you know, and maybe understanding the history of the struggle of Black Americans is important too, but there’s more to our experience in the United States than just that.”

This assembly is staged in February to align with Black History Month, which is celebrated across the United States. At Jesuit, this month is a chance to learn more about the triumphs of Black Americans. 

“Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the rich history of black Americans in the United States, particularly for us in a school environment,” said Dean Theodule. “We often learn about the struggle of the history of Black Americans, but [Black History Month] is an opportunity to celebrate the cornucopia of positive contributions and the good that the black community has provided to the United States in a meaningful way.”

President of the Black Student Union Amaury McKinney ’25 believes that black contributions in American history are worth celebrating everyday.

“Although the month of February is the designated month of celebration, Black history is celebrated every day in the Black community,” said Amaury. “We celebrate the numerous overlooked contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout U.S. history that have shaped our society with their drive, innovation, creativity, intellect and expertise.”

This year’s Black History Assembly is a time to shed light on Black Americans who have contributed to societal advancements. By opening the eyes of students to a new perspective, Jesuit continues the pursuit for a more diverse future.