Since 2023, Puyallup High School’s Black Student Union (BSU) has been providing an opportunity to dive deeper into the past by curating a book cart. This cart holds pieces of history, literature and experiences of historical and modern Black and African American authors and is accessible to any student interested in gaining a deeper understanding and perspective on different cultures.
Following the demolition of the school’s library, finding books on this matter has become even more difficult than it was previously. BSU’s president, junior Raechel Mensah, elaborates on the book cart’s operation and this obstacle.
“The book cart was made to bring inspiration and education to Black authors and history,” Mensah said. “The original process that the founders were thinking was to have books at the library, but with the library being gone right now, it’s kind of hard to find books.”
Michael Limric, history teacher and former BSU adviser expands on the inspiration and need for the cart in our community.
“The idea was it was a chance for kids to check out books that maybe weren’t in the library. As good as the library was, there was not a gigantic selection of books by African American authors, themes or culture,” Limric said. “We liked the idea of creating a book cart that was exclusively Black authors or subject matters. Anyone can check the books out and anyone could learn from the books, but we wanted to fill a hole that was there.”
This piqued the interest of sophomore Aiden Lee, who checked out the novel So Many Beginnings by Bethany C. Morrow.
“The book that I checked out was about a family that moved from a different region and had to make do with what they had, starting from the ground up.” Lee said. “They were constantly facing these trials of racism and persecution because they were a different skin color.
Limric shares his own personal favorite from the selection and claims that it is just as educational as it is captivating.
“There’s a graphic novel about John Lewis, the great civil rights leader, and it’s just awesome. It’s one of the greatest graphic novels of all time, and he helped write it before he died. I think it helps personalize the marching for voting rights in Selma, Alabama,” Limric said. “I think kids that pick up that book won’t be able to put it down.”
However, acquiring these pieces of literature required care and intent, making the curating process even more purposeful.
“The books were picked out because a lot of them might even be banned books- they’re kind of seen as controversial- but they really go into depth about what happened during times of slavery, segregation, and even women’s rights as well.” Mensah said.
In addition to the lack of accessibility, Mensah highlights another challenge when it comes to educating people on Black and African American history.
“It’s always kind of frustrating because in history, they kind of teach one side of the story- you’re not always getting all of it,” Mensah said. “So, I hope encouraging the books that we have by Black authors gets pushed out a little more, so people get more educated.”
As a result of this inaccessibility, some students may not be as exposed to topics such as these; Limric hopes that the book cart will change that.
“What I’m hoping for is kids who maybe aren’t exposed to African American history and culture can use those books as an entry point for discussions about the importance of culture and history,” Limric said.
For Lee’s case, this intended change really did occur, gaining him a new perspective and empathy.
“It really changes my perspective and makes me want to help [minority communities] out more, which is why I’m dedicating myself to so many different cultural background clubs like BSU,” Lee said.
The book cart is just the beginning of these community-based initiatives; Mensah discusses future plans for BSU.
“We would want to not just have the book cart in one location. Having some of our books from the book cart in teachers’ classes, I think that would help a little bit more.” Mensah said.
Overall, the impact that the book cart has had on our community is notable. However, it isn’t just the books that change lives, but the experience as well.
“It is a really eye-opening experience, so I recommend checking out a book from there that shows different cultural or ethnical backgrounds. Because if you’re that type of person to hate on different races just because of what they do differently, I really suggest reading a book and getting to know our histories,” Lee said. “It’s really a life changing experience.”
If you would like to check out a book or browse the selection for yourself, stop by room 215!
