CJ McCollum visits Douglas chapter of Black Student Union

Posted March 2020

By Mellian Asmelash

Staff Reporter

Before school closed for the year, Portland Trailblazer CJ McCollum joined David Douglas’ Black Student Union members and basketball program on Feb. 24 in celebrating the strength, culture, and history of Black Americans.

The Black History Month Showcase took place right after school as the gym crowded with students. Introductions by seniors Edom Daniel and Andrew Muange and sophomore Zanuba Zeyna were given just before the showcase began. As eight members of the BSU sang the Black National Anthem, McCollum sat in the bleachers amongst the students. BSU members performed a contemporary-traditional dance choreographed by junior Angel Vaughn. The next performance was an original rap by Muange and seniors Jared Cetz and Israel Timothy.

After the final performance ended, McCollum was called up to sit in front of the students for a live panel. He explained why his teammate Carmelo Anthony, who was originally supposed to join him in this event, wasn’t able to attend due to Former NBA player Kobe Bryant’s funeral being the same day. Students were handed a mic and given the opportunity to ask him questions. A BSU member started off the panel by asking him what Black History Month personally meant to him.

“My mom always taught us the importance of understanding your history, knowing where you come from, and understanding the achievements that a lot of people have made before you, especially people of color,” McCollum said. “I think it’s very important.”

McCollum went in-depth on his childhood and how “growing up in the hood” molded him into the person he is today. He went on to talk about how nobody would mess with him when he was younger because of how respectable his older brother was, so he wanted to follow in his footsteps.

“No dream is too big,” said McCollum. “People tell you that it’s not possible or they want to give you the percentage or the chances of it failing. Ignore the negativity. Speak it into existence.”

At the end of the panel, an artist, who had been painting throughout the entire event, showed the audience his mural of an African American woman. A group picture was taken at the end, and posters were available for students to grab on their way out. This student-led showcase showed spectators how David Douglas youth were embracing Black History Month.