By Amina Meric (2019-2020, Bosnia and Herzegovina, placed by ACES in Aledo, IL)

February is Black History Month. Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by Black and African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. 

On February 7, Black History Month was celebrated in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina at American Corner. YES Abroad students John Getzie, Annaliese Galler, and Syarra Goldstein, with the help of YES Alumnae Amina Meric, Silma Jahic, Mia Krcum, and Farisa Vojnovic made an informative presentation for their Bosnian peers. Over 40 high schoolers attended this presentation and actively participated. 

YES Abroad students prepared and presented the presentation to participants. They included the history of Black Americans from the beginning of America's history until now. After the presentation, YES Abroad and YES Alumni prepared a Kahoot/Questionnaire for participants to see how much they learned. It was an intense game, but in the end, we had three winners who earned prizes for their knowledge.  

Adna Karkelja, a participant, said, “Learning about Black History Month from American students and YES Alumni was very interesting since we don’t have a chance to talk about topics like this as much, especially here in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was a nice way for us to get educated on such an important topic.”

Acknowledging and celebrating Black accomplishments is very important for everyone, as it reinforces and reminds us that everyone deserves equal rights and opportunities. 

Amina Meric (2019-2020, Bosnia and Herzegovina, placed by ACES in Aledo, IL)

Silma Jahic (2021-2022, Bosnia and Herzegovina, placed by ACES in Chico, CA)

Mia Krcum (2021-2022, Bosnia and Herzegovina, placed by CIEE in Cato, WI)

Farisa Vojnovic (2021-2022, Bosnia and Herzegovina, placed by Aspect in Olympia, WA)