In 1970, at Kent State University, Black History Month was first introduced as a celebration of the influential and talented Black figures in history that often go unrecognized in standard history lessons.
Beyond that, the month also celebrates all aspects of Black culture, allowing for an emphasis to be put on uplifting marginalized and oppressed communities.
Though there is an active dissonance in most students' minds that places Black History Month as a passive event rather than something for people to actively participate in. It enters the subconscious of the minds of those who it does not directly impact, leaving students doing nothing, or not knowing what to do.
We asked 25 students what they were doing this February, to which 15 of them responded with “nothing” or “I don’t have anything planned.” But at UB, student organizations have events planned so every student can participate and learn the importance of this month.
The Intercultural Diversity Center has multiple events on UBLinked for Black History Month including a movie night, a social, a dessert hour and many more to come.
The Black Student Union has their annual Black Explosion fashion show, highlighting and uplifting Black designers and models.
Tyler Celestine, a junior accounting major and member of Delta Sigma Pi, said that the fraternity was planning to host a guest speaker, a Spades night and more events as the month continues.
It’s not that there isn’t anything to do for Black History Month, students simply need to take an active approach to looking for these spaces. So take a step out of your room, look at the posters on the wall, scroll through UBLinked and be an active member of our campus during this Black History Month.
The features desk can be reached at features@ubspectrum.com
Photo: Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
