January 30, 2018
Olivia Langley
CORRECTION: As Of Saturday night, ASA president informed The Scribe they would no longer be hosting an event in conjunction with the BSU. The Freex/BSU event is Feb. 22nd @ Clydes 6-10pm.
The beginning of February will mark the third week of classes, but the month itself will commemorate the African-American community in the United States through Black History Month.
While an event schedule is still being planned, student organizations look forward to commemorating the month.
Students on campus will acknowledge the month on campus, seeing it as a forum for learning and self-empowerment, according to Meagan Jenkins, sophomore biomedical science major and president of the Black Student Union.
“Black history is world history, as well as other minority groups. We’re going to take that time to celebrate and love ourselves and whoever wants to celebrate with us is invited,” says Jenkins.
Jenkins, as wells as other members of the Black Student Union and the African Student Association, will focus on a comprehensive history on the African American community.
“(We aren’t) only focusing on the positives of black history, because there are negatives as well. So coming together and recognizing ‘Hey, we’ve done this that and the other’ helps everyone reflect on what we’ve overcome and continue to accomplish,” says Jenkins.
In past semesters, the ASA and the BSU have held separate events in honor of Black History Month. This semester, they have teamed up for the first time to host an event.
Still in planning, the ASA and BSU will tentatively host an event honoring Black History Month on Feb. 23. The event is open to all students, faculty and staff.
Junior biomedical science major Edwige Sewavi, president of the African Student Association, believes the event is both educational and demonstrates appreciation for different cultures.
“We and BSU are having a co-event that is going to have a discussion about black Americans and African Americans, and the difference between the two as well as the similarities. It’s about pride,” says Sewavi.
“This year we decided to band together and collaborate with ASA and take that time to bridge the culture gap and celebrate with each other. It’s going to be a big history party. We’re going to have food talk and have open discussions,” says Jenkins.
February is a time to review history and appreciate how far the United States has come as a nation, says Sewavi.
“(These events) help us look back on what’s happened throughout history. We look at the past not to be angry but to look back and be happy that we have come a long way,” she said.
Last year, the Black Student Union hosted Blast from the Past, which raised awareness on the history of African Americans.
“Black history isn’t just limited to the black community; it affects everyone at some point. It’s important, esepcially with the trails and tribulations we have experienced and continue to experience. It sheds light, and when you use the past, it helps people understand the present and helps our allies understand,” said Jenkins.
The event, which is yet to be named, will be held Feb. 23 at 4 p.m. in UC 122.
The African Student Association meets at 4 p.m. on Fridays in UC 122. The Black Student Union meets at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays in UC 307.