Black History Month Q&A with Layla Jefferson, ‘22

Layla Jefferson is a senior at Central Catholic High School (Class of 2022). Layla is involved in National Honor Society, Glee Club, Broomball and Kindness Club. In addition, Layla is in her second year participating in the African American Club.

What are your thoughts about “Black Health & Wellness,” this year’s theme for Black History Month.
It’s a theme that really hits close to home. There’s been times where I’ve been considered crazy or weird because I went to therapy. There’s a major stigma about therapy, especially for people of color. In the words of someone I met recently “If you broke your leg, you wouldn’t put a bandage on it and walk it off. Don’t do that to your brain.”


If you could pick any figure central to Black History to have dinner with, who would it be?
I would have dinner with Audra McDonald. Audra is a famous black musical theater actress, who has won six Tony Awards. As someone who loves musical theater and things related to acting, I would just ask her about the challenges she faced and how hard things were. The theater community is still a white dominated space, so seeing someone that doesn't look exactly like the standard is important. It gives hope to other people of color that they can pursue their dreams. 

What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month means spreading love and learning about other black or African American cultures that I'm not a part of. 

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?
I appreciate how CCHS celebrates diversity by having mentor groups. It’s a good way to meet people or talk to others you wouldn’t regularly communicate with. I loved having the different Toledo organizations come to CCHS for the event in our Senior Cafeteria. It was nice to learn about different organizations in the Toledo community that help.


What do you love most about Central Catholic High School?
I love our school spirit at Central Catholic. I feel that we rally together like no other school when it comes to having pride for our school.