We enter the month of February, individuals across campus are planning events for students to celebrate and embrace Black History Month.
“Every month is White history month, so I feel we should do a lot more for Black History Month,” said Laken Vogel ’18. “Black History Month still matters, because black people are so underrepresented and underpraised. They aren’t celebrated enough.” Periana Wilson ‘15 agreed. “They have events for Career Development Month, but they don’t do anything related to Black History Month,” Wilson said.
To honor the accomplishments and contributions of black Americans in our country, historian Carter G. Woodson created Black History Week, which began on Feb. 12, 1926. For many years, Black History Week was celebrated in the second week of February, to coincide with the birthday of abolitionist Fredrick Douglass. In 1976, Black History Week expanded to Black History Month.
Today, individuals all over the nation honor the history of a people who were brought to America in captivity, yet have prospered to create a rich and colorful culture in the United States.
Source: earthcandyarts.wordpress.com
Various events across campus are coming soon to help you celebrate Black History Month. On Tuesday, February 3, at 4:00 p.m. in Pierson Room A, there will be “Soup for the Soul: Black Panther.” The event will have a former Black Panther member discussing his experiences with the organization. The United Black Association will be visiting the Dusable Museum of African American History on Sunday, February 8, at 10 a.m. Contact Imani Watson ‘15 for more information on how to join.
There will be a poetry slam and talent showcase on Thursday, February 12 called “Black Love,” which will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Wood Lounge. “Black Love” will feature a performance of “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enough” by Ntozake Shange, a sort of interpretive dance discussing issues of black women through poetry. On Saturday, February 21 at 6:30 p.m. UBA and CHIC, the fashion club at the College, will be hosting a fashion show in Reid Chapel.
To close out Black History Month, UBA will be hosting “Taste of Soul” and “Black Jeopardy” in Roberts 053 on Saturday, February 28 at 5:00 p.m. If you’re interested in events outside of the College, Washington Park near Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood will be hosting their annual “Ashaki Black History Celebration” on Saturday, February 28 from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
