Northwest Catholic Celebrates Black History Month

Northwest Catholic High School welcomed Deacon Arthur Miller, Director of the Office for Black Catholic Ministries, on Feb. 28 for a special Black History Month presentation. He spoke to students from the perspective of an African American who grew up on the South Side of Chicago in the 1940s and 1950s. Deacon Miller was 10 years old in 1955 when his schoolmate Emmett Till, age 14, was brutally murdered in Mississippi for allegedly whistling at a white woman — an incident that energized the Civil Rights Movement.

He told students how experiencing that historical moment changed his life, leading him to get involved in the Civil Rights Movement, even going to jail for participating in a sit-in before he went to college. He said there was no way he could not take a stand if he wanted to see change in the world. Quoting 18th century English philosopher Edmund Burke, Miller said, "All it takes for evil to prevail is for good people to do nothing." He encouraged the students to learn from their personal history and the history of their country and be a force of change in their world.

“We are so fortunate to have people in our community who have lived through significant moments in American History and who relate to young people as well as Deacon Miller does,” said Northwest Catholic Principal Margaret Williamson. “His talk shows us all what is possible if we are willing to put forth the effort and do what is right.”

Deacon Miller is an author, radio host, revivalist and retired businessman. His book, “The Journey to Chatham,” details the historic events surrounding the murder of Emmett Till as seen through the eyes of Till’s friends.

Since 1961, Northwest Catholic’s mission has been to educate the whole person: mind, body, spirit, and soul. Enrollment for the Class of ’18 is now under way. For more information, contact Andrew Selig (860-236-4221, x140 or aselig@nwcath.org).