Black History Month Q&A with Amaar Zarrieff, ‘22

Amaar Zarrieff is a senior at Central Catholic High School (Class of 2022). Amaar is President of the African American Club and Vice President of Student Senate, as well as being a member of Fighting Irish boys’ soccer team and the National Honors Society.

What are your thoughts about “Black Health & Wellness,” this year’s theme for Black History Month.
I loved this year’s theme.  Many aspects of black wellness, such as mental health, is often ignored in the black community.  Some of my friend’s parents don’t even believe in therapy.  We need to continue to shine a spotlight on the importance of taking care of yourself.  Black students really need to understand that their feelings are valid. Along with mental health, It is also very important to bring up the history of medical racism in America.  Especially because I’m a senior, I want my classmates who are going into the medical field to acknowledge the past atrocities in the medical field and help to change it for the better.

If you could pick any figure central to Black History to have dinner with, who would it be?
I would definitely choose to have dinner with James Baldwin.  As an aspiring writer, Baldwin encourages me to push the limits of my story’s subject matter.  I would also love to ask him how it was like to work with civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., and Medgar Evers.

What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is the time to celebrate the achievements of black artists, scientists, athletes, and really anyone who contributes to black ingenuity and excellence.  During black history month, I do anything I can to promote the common good of the black students and faculty at CCHS.

What are some ways you appreciate how CCHS celebrates the Diversity at our school?  What are ways you would like to see CCHS continue to celebrate Black History Month.
One of the biggest ways that CCHS promotes diversity is by supporting the African American Club.  I was also really happy to see that a Chinese culture class was added as a class this year.  I really hope to see CCHS add even more classes that teach about different cultures of the world.

What do you love most about Central Catholic High School?
I love the teachers and faculty the most at Central Catholic.  I love the conversations that I have with my teachers.  Our faculty and teachers have been so helpful with decorating for Black History Month and encouraging people to speak during Mentor Mondays.