By Nicholas Steinhauser
Correspondent
February is Black History Month, which the College is celebrating by holding different events that emphasize the significance of this month for Black history.
“Black history tends to be discussed either infrequently, vaguely or traumatically,” said Jordan Shyi, the director of Intercultural Affairs within the Division of Inclusive Excellence. “It is nice to be able to share in events that highlight the importance of Black history and all the different figures that have been a part of these movements and bring this enthusiasm to the current and future generations of Black generations.”
The Black Student Union has played a major role in planning all of the events this semester, focusing on the importance of Black History Month for everyone, not just Black students on campus. At the same time, they have encouraged students who are engaged in Black culture to truly feel proud of who they are and their heritage for not just this month, but all year round.
“From the wide variety of events this month, I feel like we are centering on social development, professional development and education, which all tie into our mission to help others realize that Black history is not just for the month of February,” said Naia Moore, a senior Psychology major and president of BSU.
BSU decided on the theme for this year’s Black History Month at the College to be Evolution of Black Generations. “With this theme, we are acknowledging the past but also recognizing that we are the future generation,” said Moore. “What we are doing now and what the BSU has done since its establishment in 1981 are all tied together.”
Black History Month is also a time for students on campus to recognize the impacts that Black individuals have made.
“I think so often that our history is pushed aside and not taught in schools, so this month is important for acknowledging that Black history is American history, and putting an emphasis on the people who fought for us in the past,” Moore said.
Black History Month at the College commenced with the Pan-African Flag Raising Ceremony on Jan. 29, which was organized by BSU.
At this event, senior political science major and Student Government Executive President Jared Williams gave a speech about the importance of recognizing the sacrifices Black individuals have made in the past that have contributed to the freedoms and liberties that Black students on campus have today.
“In my speech, I realized that this was a great way for us to honor what people have done in the past for Black rights while also looking ahead to the future for greater access to opportunities that we have struggled to obtain for so long,” said Williams.
This month also works to empower Black women. On Feb. 11, the Intercultural Center held a screening of the film “Dear America, A Letter from Black Women.”
“The film includes told experiences of Black women’s contributions to political history,” Shyi. said. “This helps to speak about the advocacy and activism work of Black women in American history, which ties into the concept of foundation setting.”
BSU also held its Black Student Panel x BSU Alum Panel on Feb. 12. At this event, five Black alumni from the College and former BSU members and five current students talked about their experiences as people of color and their contributions to the College.
“Being that our theme is Evolution of Black Generations for this month, we wanted to hold this panel to show the impactful legacy that the BSU has had, as well as the overall legacy of the College,” Moore said.
On Feb. 24, BSU will hold a Black Business Pop-Up Shop to showcase small and large Black-owned businesses.
“The Black Business Pop-Up Shop gives Black individuals the opportunity to support Black-owned businesses, which is so important because we want to be able to achieve the same amount of wealth that other other individuals within the country have,” Williams said.
Representation is another important part of Black History Month, and Williams commented how this event promotes Black representation in important fields.
“I think representation is very important,” Williams added. “For Black students to see people who look like them in positions of power is very important because having that representation gives students the idea that they can accomplish their goals too.”
Shyi explained why this month means so much to so many people, and said students should never forget the impact of Black History Month.
“I hope that we as a campus continue to acknowledge the importance of these cultural heritage months because I think it is too easy for these things to just become forgotten,” Shyi said. “These heritage months remind us that we all have had a big helping hand in making America the place that people want to go to for more opportunity, and that is why I think Black History Month is so important.”
