Residents learned last Wednesday about how their youth learn about Black history and their potential future from an influential instructional aide at Taylor High School.
“I want to see us grow,” said Eliza Ackerman. “I want to see us grow together.”
Ackerman spoke on stage at Texas Beer Company Feb. 23 during a special Taylor Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee presentation on Black History Month. Jason Hennington, Taylor Press publisher and DEI co-chairman, hosted the discussion.
Ackerman is the aide for content mastery and inclusion at THS. She leads the annual Black History Month celebration at Taylor ISD.
“There have been numerous people that have helped me do it,” Ackerman added. “It’s not just me.”
Amy Everhart, DEI co-chairwoman, noted Ackerman’s contributions in Taylor.
“She is a Taylor native,” said Everhart. “She’s raised her family here and she is involved in many things in the community including Juneteenth celebrations, the church, she mentors young women. She does a ton.”
Ackerman is a selflabeled history buff. She grew up and really enjoyed learning about Black history and those of others.
“I also taught (my students) to accept everybody else’s history,” said Ackerman. “When the Spanish department started having their programs in September, I would make sure that our kids would support them and what they did.”
Ackerman says she’ll return to school to further her own education soon with likely a concentration in history.
Shortly after she started at Taylor ISD, when Black History Month arrived, she asked if a related quote could be said during morning announcements.”
“That’s how it started,” said Ackerman.
As time went on, she realized how the Tayor ISD community is a family. So, she started to inquire into expanding recognition of Black History Month, and she found a “want” within her new family.
“It just kind of went from there,” said Ackerman.
There have been some difficulties since the COVID-19 pandemic started, but Ackerman and her crew have tried to renew interest in the program in the two years since the initial shutdowns. Speakers have visited the campus to continue student interest and participation.
“We’re still trying to keep these kids educated,” said Ackerman. “With the current climate, I think it’s important for our young African American students and all students to know what our struggle was.”
Looking ahead, Ackerman wonders if Taylor could host a Black History Month celebration on a citywide scale some day. She’s also open to passing the torch of the school program’s responsibilities.
“I don’t do it for me,” said Ackerman. I do it for the kids.”
To see the full interview, visit https://www.facebook.com/GoTaylorTx, and scroll down to the Feb. 23 video.
