A nuestra comunidad UCSD,
February is Black History Month, a time to recognize the history, contributions, and achievements of Black Americans across the country and within our own Utica community. In this spirit, I would like to thank the Board of Education for the opportunity to serve as the first Black Superintendent of the Utica City School District. This is a historic milestone for our district and an important moment for students of color who aspire to leadership and service. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead and contribute to this wonderful community.
The African American experience is defined by innovation, achievement, and progress across every facet of American society. This includes service in the military—such as the Buffalo Soldiers and the Harlem Hellfighters—contributions to the arts through pioneers of rock and roll like Tina Turner and Little Richard, and the literary voices of the Harlem Renaissance, including Langston Hughes. It also includes groundbreaking scientists such as George Washington Carver, along with countless others who have advanced American society in meaningful ways.
This history is rich and complex. As W.E.B. Du Bois described through the concept of double consciousness, it reflects both the challenges and the resilience of life in America. It is a history rooted in struggle, activism, and the enduring pursuit of equality—grounded in the belief that all people are created equal.
Because of this enduring legacy of activism, progress, and faith in our shared humanity, we continue to honor Black History Month. It calls upon us to reconcile our differences and uphold the principles of the Declaration of Independence, which states: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” This belief has long been at the heart of the African American experience—a commitment to progress for all and to the realization of a truly equitable society.
This month, our classrooms create opportunities for students to study individuals whose leadership and accomplishments shaped American history. Students may explore the experiences of Ruby Bridges, who integrated a New Orleans elementary school at the age of six; Frederick Douglass, who lived in Rochester and used his newspaper, The North Star, to advocate for abolition; Harriet Tubman, who later made her home in Auburn after leading enslaved individuals to freedom; and Debi Thomas, who won a bronze medal in figure skating at the 1988 Winter Olympics and became the first Black athlete to earn a medal at a Winter Games.
Utica has its own connection to this history. During the 19th century, the city served as a waypoint for individuals seeking freedom through the Underground Railroad. The 1835 New York State Anti-Slavery Convention was held here before being forced to relocate after facing opposition. Local residents played a role in advancing the abolitionist movement, and these events remain part of the historical record of our city.
Throughout February, Black History Month offers an opportunity for us to continue learning together. In our classrooms and school communities, these lessons help students build knowledge, ask thoughtful questions, and develop a deeper understanding of the world and the Utica community around them.
Atentamente,
Dr. Christopher Spence
Superintendent of Schools