Joliet Central Black Student Union provides enriching experiences

The Joliet Central High School Black Student Union, sponsored by teachers Mr. Crim, Mr. Coatney and Mr. Cage, provides students with enriching experiences that inform students about Black history and current role models’ stories of success. During the fall semester of the 2019-2020 school semester, the Black Student Union enjoyed attending a screening of the film Harriet, as well as hearing from successful JTHS alumni John Lucas and Erica Homes.

On Friday, November 1, fifteen Joliet Central BSU members, Mr. Crim and Mr. Cage, accompanied by ten Multicultural Club members and Mrs. Crim from Joliet West went to see Harriet at the Louis Joliet Mall Cinemark Theater to learn about the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman, a selfless hero whose sacrifices all Americans benefit from.

During the October 29th and December 12th BSU meetings, guest speaker John Lucas, an accomplished entertainment artist and educator and founder of ‘Step Into the Light’ nonprofit, gave inspirational talks to BSU members about Joliet history and the danger of limiting themselves academically and professionally. Students left with clarity and a renewed outlook on their postsecondary plans. Lucas was born and raised in Joliet, IL. After graduating Joliet Central High School (1994), he attended Millikin University to pursue musical theater and dance. He moved to New York City in 2002 and has performed and worked around the globe as a performer/artist in the entertainment industry for various companies such as Hong Kong Disneyland, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Bally’s Las Vegas, Google, Target, and Apple.

During the November 12th BSU meeting, the students hosted Erica Holmes, a Joliet Central and Northwestern University alumna, IT specialist and entrepreneur who has earned the nickname ‘Ms. Community’ because of her selfless commitment to her hometown through activism and service. Ms. Holmes gave an informative and inspirational talk to BSU students about her job duties and the important role self-accountability plays in being successful in and outside of high school. Students left with more confidence and practical tips on how to improve their grades and accomplish personal goals and tasks.

Students interested in joining or community members interested in supporting the Joliet Central High School Black Student Union may contact Mr. Crim at ecrim@jths.org.