There is a song about a light in the sky above Bethlehem, and a baby born in a manger. The light draws people from far and wide, to celebrate an emergence from darkness, the birth of salvation, the dawn of a new age. In their hearts, the people recognized that this child, however full of potential, needed them, and whatever they had to offer. And that neither the light nor the child were, in and of themselves, the solution. Together they were a beacon, requesting the attention and participation of humankind to create for themselves the structures and bastions of a new world.

This week the sophomore class had the opportunity to walk the entire African American Heritage Trail, which is also a nonprofit organization. The trail provided students with much more knowledge about African American history here on the Vineyard. In our history II course we are taught a lot about African American history nationwide, but are not necessarily taught about it here at home. Students felt that the trail was inspirational; you will read some of their comments below.