Grand Rapids High School Apologizes For ‘Black History Month’ Lunch

A West Michigan high school has issued an apology after getting backlash for their Black History Month Lunch.

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What Is Black History Month And Why Is It Celebrated?

Black History Month was created to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States.

It honors all Black people from all periods of U.S. history, from the enslaved people first brought over from Africa in the early 17th century to African Americans living in the United States today.

One famous person that is often thought of during Black History Month is Martin Luther King Jr. who fought for equal rights for Blacks during the 1950s and ’60s.

Grand Rapids Christian apologizes for ‘Black History Month’ lunch

According to Wood TV, Grand Rapids Christian posted a lunch menu online for Wednesday, February 8th as a “Black History Month” lunch.

What Was Included In The 'Black History Month' Lunch?

Fried Chicken

Collard Greens

Mac And Cheese

Cornbread

Banana Pudding

Grand Rapids Christian Changes 'Black History Month Lunch

After students complained to school administrators, calling it racist, the school started referring to the meal as a “Soul Food” lunch on the menu instead.

Superintendent Tom DeJonge Issues An Apology Letter To Parents

In the letter Superintendent Tom Dejonge said

 The school has a responsibility to celebrate a variety of cultures, so it wanted to serve “an authentic Soul Food lunch. Although the tradition was recently paused during the pandemic due to food service regulations, over the recent years, Grand Rapids Christian High School has partnered with a variety of community members to serve an authentic Soul Food lunch, in an effort to continue this tradition of celebration, our food service department reached out to an executive chef, Xaviar Jamarillo, as a partner for this year’s celebration. We recognize that the initial publication of the meal had a negative impact on our community, and for this we are sorry, As a staff, we humbly commit to continuing to learn and grow in this area as we seek to produce culturally competent students who are prepared for lives of service to Christ. We are committed to continuing to meet with and listen to our staff and students as we seek to build and further strengthen an environment that is welcoming to all.”