Black History Month is celebrated in many different ways. Virginia Bradley, who works in the post office on campus, makes a display of pictures and biographies in order to honor her history.
The exhibit is on the second floor of the Stevens Art Gallery and will be up until March 1. Students are encouraged to go by and take advantage of the opportunity to celebrate Black History Month through this display.
Bradley has worked for the Harding post office for many years but only recently did she decide to make a Black History Month display on campus. Bradley said she does this because she believes it is important for everyone to celebrate this month no matter what race you may be.
The display features about 50 pictures of different individuals. Most of those featured are students but faculty, alumni and Bradley’s grandson are also included. Several biographies accompany some of the pictures.
“I wanted people to share their history,” Bradley said. “To think that they or their family may (have) had a part in history, and that all people celebrate this month.”
Brittany McMahan, a senior public administration major, is among those featured. McMahan first met Bradley four years ago in the student center, but it was not until last year that Bradley approached her about being included in the display. It did not work out for McMahan’s photo and biography to be included last year, but she was sure to make time for it this year.
McMahan said she believes it is very important for everyone in this generation to honor the men and women who got us where we are today. McMahan said it is vital for us to remember our roots and successes. She celebrates her ancestry many ways. Last year she posted a different picture of an influential black man or woman each day in February and included a short blurb about why they are important in history.
“I am very proud of my black ancestry,” McMahan said. “I am proud of my ancestors who were brought to this country in chains and endured the hardships forced upon them. I am proud to be black.”
McMahan said she thinks this exhibit presents an opportunity for students to get out of their bubble and learn about their peers.
“I would like to thank Mrs. Bradley for bringing this exhibit to Harding,” McMahan said. “This campus is so diverse and full of so many cultures, I think we should focus on learning about all of them. Therefore, I think this exhibit is a great way for the students on this campus to learn a little about some of their fellow classmates and the culture that we all share.”
Senior finance major Milton Stewart has been featured in this exhibit for two years. He first became acquainted with Bradley his freshman year. Since then, they have formed a lasting friendship.
Stewart said he is honored to be featured in this exhibit because he loves his ancestry. He makes time each year to celebrate Black History Month by watching different videos and documentaries about black history. Stewart does not just view it as black history, but as American history, because it is a part of all of us.
“This exhibit is a great reflection of how far Harding and the South has come since such turbulent and divided times,” Stewart said. “I like that Black History is recognized but I would like it to be accepted more as American history not just, ‘Black History’. It is a crucial part of all of our history as Americans.”
