By Alyssa Jackson~Assistant Editor
Photo of students at “Black Out Black History Month Kickoff” event. Retrieved from Dai’Dieon Colmore.
After years of silencing and ignoring, Black Americans were given Feb. as Black History Month in 1976, which celebrates the achievements and lives of Black Americans who have done more for the United States than many citizens are aware of.
Students from various affinity groups at the University of Lynchburg came together to create a Black History Month planning committee in partnership with the Office of Equity and Inclusion.
Each event planned by the committee honors Black history and aims to bring students of all backgrounds together to celebrate this recognition of history and encourage students to deepen their knowledge.
Photo of Black History Month Event Calendar By The Office of Equity and Inclusion
Matthew Johnston, director of Student Diversity and Belonging, states, “Black History Month is American History, and should not be relegated to a single month, but celebrated year-round. This month centers on black excellence, which has provided America with such a rich culture, as well as so many leaders and innovators in all areas of politics, science, arts, philosophy, religion, business, etc.”
Keynote speakers will be visiting campus throughout the month, and a “round Black table” will be held on Feb. 14 where Black students can speak about issues important to them and non-Black students can join as listeners to broaden and deepen their understanding.
However, students can celebrate Black History Month in more ways than just attending events.
Dai’dieon Colmore, freshman and president of the Black Student Association, states, “I think students can engage more…by attending events and celebrations not only on campus but in the community as well, volunteering at organizations that support the Black community, learning about Black history and culture, participating in discussions about race and racism, supporting Black-owned businesses, and speaking out against racism and discrimination.”
By taking these actions, students can help to raise awareness of Black history and culture, and show their support for the Black community.”
Although the recognition of Black history as American history is important, senior Destini Baccus urges that the work is never over.
“It feels nice to have people that care and acknowledge the things African Americans have gone through as while things are a lot better than they used to be, there are still struggles African Americans can and do go through,” says Baccus.
This month shows a great honor to those that fought for it and it is encouraged even after the month is over that students continue to celebrate. To find out more about the events by the Office of Equity and Inclusion , check out their Instagram Page.