LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Many students around Kentucky are learning about the history and impact of African Americans during Black History Month. 

What You Need To Know

  • Thursday, Feb. 1, marked the start of Black History Month 

  • Community members read books written by Black authors to students at Louisville's Central High School
  • Among them was Denisha Vaughn, who read Michelle Obama's memoir, "Becoming" 
  • The African-American Read-In started in 1989 to share the work of Black authors with students. 

At Louisville's Central High School Thursday, about 30 community members, including judges and business leaders, read aloud to students to kick off the month. One of them was Denisha Vaughn, an entrepreneur and mother of seven. 

“I want to give that inspiration to know that there is nothing out here that will stop you except for yourself,” Vaughn said to students. 

She read Michelle Obama’s memoir, "Becoming," and said she relates to the story. 

Vaughn was raised by a single mother, grew up in a rough neighborhood and became pregnant as a teenager. 

Now, she is the owner and founder of 721 Mint It Juice Bar.

“I'm just [as] successful as someone who's had a great education, the two-parent home and everything else," she said. 

Sophomore Nicolas Perry has a goal after leaving this classroom. 

“I have heard a lot of people say that I will not make it to be a travel nurse because my dream job is to become a travel nurse,” Perry said.  

But the messages he heard make him think differently. 

“Don't let nobody tell you that you can't do this and keep pushing, even if it gets hard," he said. "Hard work will pay off, eventually.”

Aunesty Woods, who plans to pursue criminal justice law, said Michelle Obama's message of independence resonated with her.

“Michelle Obama still wants to go on with what she was doing to follow her own career path, even if her husband was running for president," Woods said. "She didn't let that affect her. But she was also overwhelmed because it's, like, why do I have to change? Because my husband is right."  

As the final bell rang for the school day, Vaughn said she wants students to know they, too, have control over their future.

“You may have these things, these outside influences, but there is still something that you have within you to be that voice," Vaughn said. "We need them to make the change. And if we don't teach them now, then we're all doomed." 

First lady Britainy Beshear also read to the students. 

The African American Read-In started in 1989 to share the work of Black authors with students. 

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