Carter G. Woodson, a Harvard historian, instituted what started out as a recognition and celebration of African American history for a week in the ‘20s. It was later turned into an annual celebration throughout the entire month of February in the ‘70s when former President Ford said to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
Fast forward to present day, Virginia Bradley, a postal worker on campus, for the past four years has provided students with a platform to express their thoughts and experiences on Black History Month through visuals and storytelling. Bradley has surveyed and collected feedback from students which will be featured in the exhibit.
“It’s a unique opportunity to learn about things that we may not encounter every day,” junior Aundrey Flewellen said. “I think it’s a thing that everybody can take part in and just invest in the history so that they can become aware of the contributions from all of us, no matter where we come from.”
“When it’s Cinco de Mayo, Presidents Day, Columbus Day, it’s a big deal for everybody,” Cameisha Brewer, a grad student, said. “We need to all be aware of what’s going on and acknowledge that it exists.”
Flewellen, who is president of the Multicultural Student Action Committee, is also working with Bradley on a Black History Month music festival which will take place at Starbucks on Feb. 14. Students are encouraged to sign up to recite poetry or perform a song and then tell why they chose that selection and how the author has contributed to or impacted American society.
“It’s open for anybody to sign up, whether you’re purple or green or yellow,” Flewellen said. “No matter where we come from, we all have a story, and stories unite us, stories bring people together. We’re telling stories and that’s what this really is — we’re not here to protest, or tell sob stories, or to make people feel bad about the past. It’s just a celebration through story telling.”
Both of the events that will take place this month are just a few ways for students to celebrate around campus.
“I think it’s going to be great, the exhibit, the music festival, I think all these things are just going to be wonderful history teachers; especially because it’s coming from students,” senior Stanley Winters said. “It’s all coming from people who are going to give you real life experiences — what they felt, what they’ve gone through and what has inspired them to get through things. I would encourage everyone to go.”
Bradley said all are encouraged to go empty handed, but to leave with a new or refreshed outlook on life. There is no fee for the exhibit, which is located in the Stephens Art Gallery throughout the month of February.
