Black History Month Q&A with College & Career Advisor, Simone Green, ‘19
Simone Green (Class of 2019) joined the staffulty in January to work as a college and career advisor. Simone strives to ensure student success after graduation, assisting with college, financial aid, and scholarship applications, and helping to identify various career paths aligned with their passions and interests.
Simone earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a marketing emphasis from the University of Findlay, and a master’s degree in applied communication from the University of Central Missouri.
As a student at CCHS, Simone was an Irish Scholar, a recipient of the Christian Discipleship Award, and a recipient of the Servant Leadership Award as the senior who completed the most service hours during her 4 years. She was a member of the Lady Irish track & field team and the OHSAA 2019 girls’ long jump state champion.
What are your thoughts about “African Americans & Labor,” this year’s theme for Black History Month. Please reflect on the pivotal role that African Americans have played in shaping our country’s history.
I find the theme of “African Americans & Labor” to be a bit misleading. Not every Black person identifies as African or shares that heritage. Our contributions span diverse cultures and experiences, which should be acknowledged. Additionally, while Black Americans have played a pivotal role in shaping our nation’s history—building industries, driving innovation, and leading movements for basic rights—there is still an undeniable reality that many Black individuals continue to face systemic oppression. It’s a daily fight for fair recognition, compensation, and respect in all spaces. This theme selection is an important reminder of how much work remains to truly recognize and honor the labor and sacrifices of the Black community today, not just historically.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
To me, Black History Month is a temporary acknowledgment — a bandage placed over deep-rooted systemic issues that remain unaddressed throughout the rest of the year. While it’s important to celebrate and reflect on Black achievements, I see it as performative, ultimately avoiding the need for meaningful action. True progress comes from consistent work, not a once-a-year highlight.
What are ways you would like to see CCHS continue to celebrate Black History Month?
CCHS can make a greater impact by extending its efforts beyond February. This starts with increasing Black representation among staffulty, creating spaces for ongoing conversations about diversity, and integrating Black history and culture into the curriculum year-round. Inviting guest speakers, involvement in community events, and collaborating with students on inclusive projects could also help foster a more authentic and lasting appreciation for Black contributions. If we want real change, we must move beyond the spotlight of February and focus on continuous engagement.
