(Editor’s note: Last week, Wallace Middle School student Lila Rodriguez was named the winner of a Black History Month essay contest. The following piece is the letter composed by Lila for the competition, which deals with racial inequalities in our country. The piece has been edited for clarity.)

by Lila Rodriguez
Wallace Middle School

Black. A word that sparks so many thoughts and emotions for many people in America, even those who aren’t of color. Many people think racism is no longer...