Did you know that in the late 1960s, Black History Month was first recognized and celebrated on college campuses? Black History Month evolved from what was known as Negro History Week, sponsored by what is now the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). The organization chose the second week in February to celebrate Negro Week because both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass’ birthdays coincide. The ASALH sponsored events inspired many people across the nation to hold similar events. Now, February is designated Black History Month by the American President and across the nation different organizations celebrate with events that recognize the importance of Black History. So why should you make it a priority to attend your school’s Black History events?
I asked some student leaders their thoughts for why everyone should attend their school’s Black History Month Events:
Publicity Secretary of the African American Student Association at Oklahoma State University, Alicia Johnson, shared her thoughts on why we as students should attend sponsored events, “As a black person myself, it’s important to embrace and learn about the history of your culture…it’s important for all races white, Asian, Hispanic, regardless whether you are black or not, to attend Black History Month events at the school you attend. I believe as a society it is important to embrace cultural diversity because that’s how as a society we will connect.” She also addresses students who are not black, “Most students who are not black will think that they are excluded from participating since it is “Black” History Month however, that isn’t the case at all.”
Treasurer of the Association of Black Collegians at the University of Tulsa, Morgan Taylor, encourages students, “It’s all about educating yourself on someone else’s history. College is usually the time where we open our eyes to a lot of things and change our perspectives. Why wouldn’t you go?”
President of the Association of Black Collegians at the University of Tulsa, Jasmine Antwine, believes these sponsored Black History Month events are “an opportunity to create new and improved relationships with those who feel nonexistent. It’s already hard making friends on this campus because of the racial barrier[s] and organization differences, etc. I also feel it’s important to educate yourself on other cultures rather than your own. We want to share with you the things your history books never told you.”
Our schools realize the cultural significance of Black History in our American Society. Student organizations within our schools plan both educational as well as entertaining events for the student body to take advantage of. All it takes is some initiative to make the most of your Black History Month experiences on your campus.