LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Many students around Kentucky are learning about the history and influence of African Americans during Black History Month.
At Louisville's Central High School, about 30 community members, including judges and business leaders, began the month by reading to students Thursday. One of them was Denisha Vaughn, an entrepreneur and mother of her seven children.
“I want to inspire you to know that there is nothing here to hold you back except yourself,” Vaughn told the students.
She said she had read Michelle Obama's memoir, “Becoming,” and that the story resonated with her.
Born was raised by a single mother in an unsafe area and became pregnant as a teenager.
Currently, she is the owner and founder of 721 Mint It Juice Bar.
“I just [as] “I was successful as someone who had a great education, a two-parent home, and everything else,” she said.
Sophomore Nicholas Perry has goals after he leaves this classroom.
“My dream job is to be a travel nurse, so I hear a lot of people say they won't be able to become a travel nurse,” Perry said.
However, the message he heard changed his mind.
“Don't let anyone tell you, 'You can't do this,' just keep trying, even if it's hard. Your hard work will pay off someday,” he said.
Honesty Woods, who plans to pursue criminal justice law, said Michelle Obama's message of independence resonated with her.
“Michelle Obama wants to continue doing what she's been doing to move forward on her career path, even though her husband is running for president,” Woods said. But she was also overwhelmed as to why I should change. Because her husband is right. ”
As the final bell rang, Vaughn said she wanted her students to know that they too can control their future.
“You may have these things and outside influences, but you still have something inside of you to be that voice. You need them to make change happen,” Vaughn said. And if we don't teach them now, we're all doomed. ”
First Lady Britteny Beshear also read to the students.
African American Read-In began in 1989 to share the work of Black authors with students.
