Learning About Black History

Takara Gray learned about Black History Month the same way she learned about long division - in school.

But it was what she learned at home, through stories from her mother and grandmother, that made an impact on her life and influenced the way she looks at black history - something she says should not just to be celebrated in one month.

"My grandmother said she was around during Martin Luther King Jr.'s time and she lived down South and she told me stories about what went on," said Gray, a junior English major. "Those stories got me wanting to know more about what happened and all that came from it."

For Gray and thousands of others at UB, the start of Black History Month marks the beginning of an acknowledgement of and time to educate about the contributions of blacks to the nation's history.

"We should know our culture and history so we can enlighten others, therefore, they will not be blind," said Gray.

For others, black history month is a chance to showcase achievements by black Americans.

"Black history month was created to show that blacks have excelled scientifically, politically, and socially," said William Paris, a senior majoring in African-American studies and philosophy. "This month gives official homage to the millions of Americans that have given their life, minds and talents to the betterment of this world."

Some students were not as enthusiastic about black history month.

"If all cultures should celebrate black history month, then we should celebrate all cultures," said Megan Murray, a freshman biology major.

"Maybe you don't have to celebrate black history month, but we should at least acknowledge African and Native American history, given the relationship that they have to this country," said Michelle Edwards, a senior English and history double major.

Khalil Nieves, an adjunct professor in African-American Studies, said he was concerned about the way young African-Americans conduct themselves in the 21st century.

"Most organizations and institutions have divorced ourselves from the African-American struggle," Nieves said. "We've assimilated into the values of materialism and consumerism. Religious, ethical, family, and educational values have deteriorated."

Nieves said he sometimes feels African-American clubs and Greek organizations do good deeds within their communities, but they can make better use of their time, focusing more on community service than social events.

According to Cristo Benedit, president of the Black Student Union and senior communications major, his organization is doing just that.

While many students cited concerns about the effectiveness of African-American organizations, some were also concerned about social, racial and political issues that surround our communities.

"As a whole, African-Americans have come a long way, but there is always more to be done," said Robyn Liverpool, a senior business major and president of the National Society of Black Engineers at UB. "Today, we are being lynched metaphorically, not literally."

Liverpool said that today black teenage boys are metaphorically lynched as they are criminally charged as adults and given life sentences.

People and organizations around campus recognize social and structural injustices in America, but for the month of February they celebrate the positive aspects African-American culture and history.

Many students around campus said they would like to see students of all races involved in multicultural, social and political events and organizations.

"The reason there is ignorance is because people are uneducated," said Shannon Miller, a senior accounting major. "If we educate ourselves and each other, then eventually we will break barriers."

With mention of Black History Month, many students contemplated increasing diversity and decreasing ignorance on campus and in American culture as a whole.