BRENTON NEWCOMB
Staff Writer
This February marks the 44th annual Black History Month, and it’s being celebrated strongly at Fredonia.
The celebration will be accompanied by Black Solidarity Week, a spirit week that will feature many interactive activities for students.
Responsible for leading the festivities is Fredonia’s Black Student Union, a club that has aimed itself at encouraging the campus to honor the month in several ways.
Terron Brown, the president of Black Student Union, laid down their goal for the month and said, “We hope this month will empower and educate anyone on campus who wants to attend our events.”
Black Student Union kicked the month into gear with its opening ceremony on Feb. 2, which paved the way for Black Solidarity Week.
Each day of the week involved dressing a specific way and helped to build up the energy for the month.
The week began with Bonnet/Silky Monday, followed by Twin Tuesday, Dress to Impress Wednesday, Throwback Thursday and concluded with All Black Friday.
[RELATED: Global fashion comes to Fredonia: Black Student Union to host annual fashion show]
Brown weighed in, saying, “Black Solidarity Week is truly about uniting people of color around campus. Our e-board wanted to create simple days where we could dress up and feel united together just by seeing each other.”
The week called for creative expression and unrestricted spirit while simultaneously honoring Black History Month and bringing people closer together.
Brown expressed gratitude for those who participated in the event, saying, “It was amazing to have so many people participate, and we’re very thankful for those who did.”
Black Solidarity Week was just the kick-off for the festivities going on this month.
Feb. 8 called students together for an art workshop.
On Feb. 12 at 7 p.m., there is the “Still I Rise” gathering, an event for sharing one’s story — discussing microaggressions and exchanging empowerment in a safe place.
All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
There will be a screening of “Poetic Justice” on Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. The film is a drama starring Janet Jackson and Tupac Shakur.
A presentation on generational wealth by Tavonia Evans will take place on Feb. 17 at 7 p.m.
There will be a workshop titled “Healing and Revealing” on Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. with a focus on healing from childhood trauma and sexual assault, led by Dark Yogi.
The celebratory month will wrap up on March 1 with a closing ceremony.
The common link between all the exciting events this week is the theme of unity or the feeling of coming together.
The events bring students together while supplementing students with knowledge and awareness toward those around them.
Deoniss Jackson, chairperson of Black Student Union’s annual fashion show, said, “My favorite part of BSU is being around people that not only understand the culture that I grew up with, but the fact that I’m comfortable being around them, too.”
Jackson said she joined Black Student Union in 2018 for the sense of unity.
This relates to and achieves the overarching goal and mission of Black Student Union.
“[Black Student Union] strives to promote a feeling of unity and pride among students of African descent and other members of the college community,” said Brown. “We are aiming to improve cultural and social development and increase black awareness on campus.”
[RELATED: Club Highlight: Black Student Union celebrates Black History Month]
For those looking to participate in spirit of this month, Jackson said, “People can honor Black History Month by supporting the events that BSU puts on, remembering and honoring those who have helped African Americans come this far.”
Brown commented on the importance of self-education, saying, “Educate yourself or if you’re knowledgeable, educate others. Black history is American history and human history.”