Revisiting History at The Yale Art Gallery
By Ashaliegh Carrington (2/17)
     Co-op students engaged in an optional study hall from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on January 28th. During that time they spent either having conferences with teachers or working on homework. At around 11 a.m., we all went to The Yale Art Gallery to look back at American History. We spent the remainder of the day looking at a photography exhibit entitled "Let Us March On," which includes photos of famous Black artists and Civil Rights marchers. After that, there was a quick activity where students pretended to tweet as if the event was happening today. Thanks to Ms. Wetmore, Ms. Purdie, and Dr. Sapienza who gave participants to go back into the powerful history we hold.

Putting Real History Into Film
Review by Ashaliegh Carrington
     "Hidden Figures" is a film regarding the great space race of the two dominant countries of the time, Soviet Union and America. This time, instead of a focusing on the international effort of the fight against the communism of Russia, we get to look at the national fight for freedom. Taraji P. Henson plays the protagonist, Katherine Johnson, who battles against the many faces of racism from coworkers to people on the street. She is accompanied by her two friends Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe).
     More than 150 students attended the film at the local Bowtie Cinema with the help of the math department. One of the leaders of this major success was Ms. Goubourn. The movie has received critical success from multiple sources. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 93 out of 100. It's also been won the top award by the Screen Actors Guild. I highly suggest you go out and watch this film. 

Interview with “Daphne”
(Daughter of original Panther 21 member)
By Ashaliegh Carrington

What was it like to live with a Black Panther heritage?
I feel proud to know my dad was part of "the Original 21 Harlem Black Panthers." [He was] a freedom fighter for change by all means necessary.  
Do you feel having this family history shaped you?
Yes, in some kind of way it broadened my horizon on skin color, education, good paying employment, living conditions, and racist people of every culture. To tell the truth, my dad would show up without notice and leave the same way. I really did not understand the heritage until attending so many Black Panther events.
Do you feel the Black Panthers made a path for groups such as Black Lives Matter?
Yes, they taught people how to take a stand when things are not going right in their community and that change is worth fighting for as a people born in the USA under southern supremacy, and that we all are privileged.
What relevance do you believe the Black Panthers have today?
One main implication is teaching the people to stick together in tough times instead of falling apart and disconnecting as a culture. Being that they are a part of America’s black history, I believe they have a lot of bearing when it comes to assisting the black communities today on regrouping, education, planning self-defense when needed, and stepping up in community awareness on the use and sale of drugs, black on black crime with guns stolen and sold in the community, housing awareness on block watches, and so much more. Even the fact that people know a lot of Panthers still exist is important, because it lets the people know someone will take a stand when they back down from fear.
Would you be a part of the movement if it happened today and if so, why?
I am part of the movement called “The Panther Cubs,” by birth and I know that is why the FBI and other government agencies keep some of us from trying to move forward and thrive in life. However, if I am going to fall for something, it will be for my family.
What do you think it means to be a part of the Black Panthers?
It means you are aware of life and the people in it.
Why do you believe there is controversy around the group?
There is only controversy around the group because government and law enforcement want total control of all people of non-white (non-Anglo-Saxon) descent.
Are you satisfied with having this family history of the Black Panthers?
Of course, I am. Power to the people.