By Savannah Singletary
As it is well known, February is Black History Month. This is a celebration observed in North America (in February), Ireland, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom (in October). What began as a way to remember important historical figures and events has expanded into so much more.
On the seventh of February in 1926, Carter G. Woodson established the second week of the month as “Negro History Week.” This particular week was chosen because during this week Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass both had their birthdays (on the 12, and 14th respectively), and those of those men are are large figures in the Black community.
It was to no surprise that the initial try of implementing the teachings of Black American history was not welcomed with open arms by many but gained cooperation by a few. Minus the lack of universal acceptance, Woodson claimed the event as “one of the most fortunate steps ever taken,” and planned to make the celebratory week an annual thing.
Negro History Week grew in popularity in the following decades. At Kent State University in February 1969, Black History Month was first proposed, the first celebration of it occured a year later at the same institution.
President Gerald Ford once said, “Seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black American in every area of endeavor through our history.”
We as a nation now celebrate the 93th year of Negro History week and the 49th year of Black history Month.
Concordia University Chicago, celebrates Black History Month by introducing interactive ways for the surrounding community to immerse themselves into the culture.
Throughout the month, Black Student Union (BSU) continually shared facts about pioneers that changed the course of history from Jackie Robinson, to Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), greek life and so much more.
On February 28th, BSU held a dinner at Crossroads dining hall. A ‘Black History Month Celebration,” as they called it.
This is the second annual dinner BSU has hosted to help show others a “taste” of Black culture.
“With the small amount of African American students that we do have on campus, it is amazing to have a dinner made to celebrate our culture,” sophomore Destiny Tartt states. “ If you are a student on campus, you know CUC does a lot of different activities to support everyone’s culture, which is appreciated.”
BSU is apart of CUCs multicultural student engagement program. CUC’s purpose of programs such as Black Student Union and Latino Student Union is to coordinate programs and events such as stated above to support cultural awareness, provide leadership development and peer mentoring opportunities.
BSU holds weekly meetings in Krentz 210 from 7:30 p.m., to 8:30 p.m. weekly. March 21st and 28th, and April 4th, 11th, and 25th are the next upcoming meetings. All are welcomed to join.
