The Bridge: Cultural Chronicles

BEYOND B.O.S.S. ~ Empowering today's youth, building tomorrow's leaders

BLACKtopia was an empowering conference designed to celebrate, uplift and inspire African American high school students by connecting them with opportunities, resources and role models within their community. Guided by the CAMO theme—Conquering Adversity and Moving Onward—BLACKtopia emphasized resilience, cultural pride, personal growth and career readiness. The event brought together students, educators, professionals and entrepreneurs for a day filled with impactful workshops, networking and meaningful discussions. BLACKtopia highlighted the richness of African American heritage, while equipping students with the tools, confidence and determination needed to overcome challenges and thrive academically, socially and professionally. From financial literacy to leadership development, the conference created a dynamic space where excellence and unity intersected, empowering the next generation to move onward and conquer adversity with purpose.

MS. MARIAH GREEN Willowbrook High School Introducing Mariah Green Mariah Green is a motivated and enthusiastic student, eager to bring her energy, skills and dedication to any team environment. Currently a senior at Willowbrook High School, Mariah combines academic excellence with hands-on professional experience. Her role as an Office Assistant at Loan Depot has honed her organizational skills, effective communication and time-management abilities, while her time as a Cashier/Host at Skinny Sweet highlighted her strengths in customer service, teamwork and critical thinking. Proficient in Google Suite and with a passion for learning, Mariah approaches every opportunity with a strong work ethic and a commitment to making a positive impact. Her blend of academic achievement, professional experience and key skills makes her an asset in any setting. Here’s the list of schools Ms. Mariah Green has been accepted to, along with the scholarship offers she has received: Schools and Scholarship Offers: 1. Jackson State University 2. Clark Atlanta University 3. Grambling State University 4. Alabama A&M University 5. Tennessee State University 6. Dillard University 7. Southern A&M University 8. North Carolina Central University 9. Hampton University 10. Lane College 11. Lincoln University 12. Johnson University – $40,000 scholarship 13. Northern Illinois University (NIU) – $12,000 scholarship 14. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) – $10,000 scholarship 15. Georgia State University 16. Coppin State University – $12,000 scholarship 17. Fisk University – $30,000 scholarship 18. Fayetteville State University 19. Virginia State University – $8,000 scholarship 20. Bethune-Cookman University – $28,000 scholarship 21. Voorhees University

Introducing Ms. Fatou Diaw: A Rising Star with a Passion for Helping Others

Fatou Diaw is a driven and ambitious high school junior, who balances academic excellence, extracurricular activities, work and her long-term goals with unwavering determination. With a passion for psychology and a deep desire to help others, Fatou is setting the foundation for a bright and impactful future.

Fatou’s commitment to her education is evident in her impressive academic record. She has earned honor roll status every semester, demonstrating her dedication to maintaining high grades. Enrolled in both honors and AP classes, she continuously challenges herself to excel in her studies.

Beyond the classroom, Fatou is an active leader in her school community. As a member of Key Club and Student Council, she plays an important role in organizing events, promoting school spirit and giving back to her peers and the community. Additionally, her involvement in BEYOND, Reign and Talented showcases her dedication to personal growth and development.

Despite her demanding schedule, Fatou finds time for her passions and responsibilities outside of school. She enjoys reading, shopping and cooking—activities that allow her to unwind and express herself creatively.

Fatou also works as a swim instructor and a restaurant host, balancing her professional responsibilities with her academic and extracurricular commitments. Her work experience has taught her the value of patience, discipline and leadership—skills that will serve her well in her future career.

Fatou’s biggest dream is to attend New York University and build a life in New York City. With plans to major in psychology, she aspires to become a psychologist or an industrial-organizational psychologist. Her passion for understanding human behavior and her desire to help those struggling with mental health challenges drive her ambitions.

"I want to make a positive impact on the people who struggle with mental health issues because that is a daily struggle everyone has to deal with," Fatou says.

Her empathy and dedication to mental health advocacy reflect her genuine desire to support those in need.

With her strong work ethic, leadership skills and commitment to helping others, Fatou is well on her way to achieving her goals. Whether through her academic success, extracurricular involvement, or future career in psychology, she is determined to make a meaningful difference in the world. As she continues her journey, there is no doubt Fatou will leave a lasting impact on those around her—both in her community now and in the world of psychology in the future.

The theme for this year's Black History Month, BLACK FIRSTS, celebrates the groundbreaking achievements of Black individuals who shattered barriers, paved new paths and made history by being the "firsts" in their respective fields. From the arts, to politics, science, sports and beyond, these pioneers exemplify the resilience, courage and brilliance that define the Black experience. By honoring their stories, we not only recognize their extraordinary accomplishments, but also inspire future generations to dream boldly and continue building legacies of excellence. BLACK FIRSTS is a powerful reminder of the limitless potential within the Black community and the enduring impact of those who dared to lead the way.

We selected the week of February 17 to celebrate Black History Month, because it aligns with the availability of the esteemed Mr. Bill Cartwright to join us and share his inspiring journey with our students. A legendary figure both on and off the basketball court, Mr. Cartwright will sit down with students to discuss his new book, offering valuable insights into his experiences, achievements and the lessons he has learned along the way. We are aware this falls on a four-day week. Unfortunately, it could not be helped, due to scheduling constraints. However, we believe the opportunity for students to engage with Mr. Cartwright and receive a signed copy of his book will make this week an impactful and memorable highlight of our Black History Month celebration.

The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, known as the "Six Triple Eight," was the only all-colored, all-female unit to serve overseas during World War II. Led by Major Charity Adams Earley, more than 800 women tackled the massive task of clearing a backlog of 17 million pieces of mail for U.S. troops in Europe. Working under harsh conditions, and facing racism and sexism, they completed the six-month job in just three months, boosting soldiers’ morale with their motto, "No mail, low morale."

Their service broke barriers for women and African Americans in the military, paving the way for greater inclusion. In 2022, the battalion received the Congressional Gold Medal, honoring their resilience, excellence and vital contributions to the war effort.

The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion Monument

The monument is in the Buffalo Soldier Military Park at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas along with other monuments honoring African-American individuals and units, and consist of a 25-inch Bronze bust of the unit’s Commanding Officer, LTC Charity Adams (Earley), eight black granite panels highlighting the unit’s lineage, historical information, key unit pictures, and on the back panel is an alphabetical list, by states, of 800-plus members, of the original list of 855 assigned during WWII. Three were killed in an automobile accident.

Dedication of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion Monument was on November 30, 2018, at the Buffalo Soldier Monument Park at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. www.womenofthe6888th.org

Members of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion take part in a parade and ceremony on May 27, 1945, which was held in honor of Joan of Arc at the marketplace where she was burned at the stake in Rouen, France. National Archives

Original Caption: “One of the two similar buildings, in France, which house the vast quantities of Christmas mail en route to American soldiers.” The 6888th would sort similar piles. Local Identifier: 111-SC-197654.