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Celebrating Black History Month
The Black Student Union, in collaboration with other clubs, hosts activities on campus
University News | February 21, 2019
The annual observance of Black History Month, also known as African-American History Month across the United States, pays tribute to generations of African-Americans and the significant roles they have played in shaping our history and society.
At VWU, student organizations such as the Black Student Union (BSU) have joined together to organize activities for the campus community in honor of this special month. From Soul Food Night, to a Wax Museum, Black History Month Jeopardy, and a discussion entitled “What the Health?,” students collaborated to host events that raise awareness and educate the campus community about the significant contributions and achievements of African-Americans throughout our nation’s history and some of the issues that are still important today.
Junior Monique Ayers is double majoring in psychology and English and is active in several student organizations. She is vice president of the Black Student Union, treasurer of Naturalista, on the recruitment board of the NATO Collaboration Club, and an initiate of Psi Chi Honor Society. Ayers is one of many students actively involved in organizing events that pay tribute to Black History Month on campus.
“Black History Month is important to me because it signifies and solidifies the victories that we, as the Black race, have overcome,” said Ayers. “It is also a reminder that we must not settle and that we must keep fighting for equality for our women, men and children in the school system, on the streets, in the justice system, everywhere.”
On February 13, the campus community came together to dine on African-American cuisine during Soul Food Night, sponsored by Sodexo, in Boyd Dining Hall. The menu incorporated many favorites listed by students including Southern fried chicken, smothered pork chops, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, candied yams and buttermilk cornbread. Dessert options included mouth-watering Southern banana pudding and sweet potato pie.
Earlier in the day a Wax Museum was presented in the Jane P. Batten Student Center. Some students dressed up like historical figures and stood, like wax statues, next to a fact sheet about a notable person, while others tried to figure out (using a bank of names) who the accomplished African-American was. Ayers noted that the Wax Museum has been a tradition of the Black Student Union every year in February and that this year the BSU partnered with the African Student Association (ASA) and Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity to host the event. She said the list of historical and significant African-American individuals-- writers, abolitionists, freedom fighters, politicians, etc.-- depicted on the fact sheets was a fun and informative way to learn about Black history.
Black History Month Jeopardy, sponsored by BSU and Alpha Phi Alpha, is another campus event offered during this special month that is presented in a game-like format that enables the community to test their knowledge on Black history in an enjoyable, non-threatening manner.
BSU also collaborated with the student organization Naturalista to host a discussion titled “What the Health?” The dialogue at this event focuses on health and nutrition issues that are especially vital for the Black community.
Ayers believes that this event is very significant because it highlights some of the topics that the community may be reluctant to talk about. She says that it is important to know about nutrition and health as they affect the African-American population, so they can advocate for themselves and not be denied proper treatments.
In addition, an event with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is planned. It will address mental health issues and the need for education and information.
“This event holds a special place in my heart,” said Ayers. “Many Black families dismiss the idea of mental health issues in their children or family members, with a stern, ‘get it together’ outlook. Mental health issues are often downplayed and not understood, so education is really key to many things happening around us.”
The Wesleyan Activities Council and the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom will host the True Black History Museum on March 5. This traveling museum teaches True Black history through the use of rare and authentic artifacts. Its curators are committed to preserving the history of African-Americans, and to teaching others of the many great contributions that African-Americans have made to mankind. This exhibit, which has been viewed by more than 50.000 people throughout the United States, will take place between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. and will feature a keynote presentation at 11 a.m.
Black History Month brings to the forefront the significance and accomplishments of African-Americans throughout history. It provides a time to bring the community together to discuss key issues specifically related to culture and race. Ayers says she often likes to remind herself of something that revolutionary political leader Nelson Mandela once said:
“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”
Learn more about Student Activities at Virginia Wesleyan University.