JACOB SANTOS
Special to The Leader
Since the presidency of Gerald Ford, the U.S. has federally recognized the month of February as Black History Month. At Fredonia, the Black Student Union will be sponsoring a number of events, open to all students and faculty, highlighting the history, achievements and current issues within the black community.
“Black History Month is the celebration of our past, present and future,” said Jelissa Samuel, a junior history and political science double major, who serves as BSU’s treasurer. “It’s the celebration of people who have paved the way for blacks in the U.S. and abroad,” she added.
The precursor to Black History Month was a week long observance beginning in 1926, falling on the second or third week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Its purpose was to emphasize the history of African-Americans, which has often been excluded from the overall history of the U.S.
During the 1960s and 1970s, proposals were made to expand the week long celebration to an entire month. Black History Month was federally recognized in 1976, as part of the national celebration of the U.S. bicentennial.
Here at Fredonia, the theme for Black History Month is “Black: One Race, Many Cultures.” One of the key aspects BSU wishes to emphasize is acknowledging the various black identities around the world, and here at the college campus.
Within the past decade there has been an increase of black students enrolled at the college, many of which are of Afro-Caribbean descent. Many within and outside of the black community may find it puzzling when they meet a black student who says they are not African-American.
One of the key discussions within Fredonia’s black community today is understanding the difference between black and African-American. While the two terms are often used interchangeably, the term “black” is used to describe the race, while “African-American” is most often used to describe the descendants of African slaves in the U.S..
While Afro-Caribbean students greatly recognize their African ancestry, there are numerous cultural and historical differences, and they will often identify as Afro-Caribbean, Caribbean American or specific demonyms, such as Jamaican and Bajan, among many other Caribbean identities.
BSU initiated their history month this past Sunday with an opening ceremony called “Coming to America.”
There are a number of upcoming events hosted by BSU throughout the month of February that include guest speakers and student-led events for the broader campus community.
One of the main events many students and faculty are eager for is Jane Elliott, who will be speaking on Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. Elliot is an anti-racism activist and diversity educator most known for her exercises that focus on how it feels to be racially discriminated. Her most known activity is based on doing an exercise based on eye color, rather than skin color.
Patrice Douglas, a senior social work major serving as BSU’s co-event chair, had the opportunity to speak to Elliot over the phone when coordinating to see if she could guest speak at Fredonia.
“I’m really excited for her [to visit],” said Douglas, “because a lot of people in this area need a wake up call. Things that sound like ignorance to us, is just a regular day for others.”
While on the phone, Elliot emphasized that while she will be part of Fredonia’s Black History Month, it is crucial that people beyond the black community come for the event. All students are greatly encouraged to hear her speak. There will be a number of other events throughout the month of February, such as Leon Ford, who will be speaking on Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. in McEwen Hall 202. Ford is a motivational speaker who is paralyzed due to police brutality in Pittsburgh.
For the first time, BSU will be sponsoring an event called Still I Rise. This event allows students to openly speak to an audience about their personal conflicts with racism and discrimination. The concept of the event is based off of Fredonia Feminists’ Take Back the Night which allows people to speak about sexual abuse and violence. Still I Rise will take take place Tuesday, Feb. 7 in McEwen Hall 202.
The third week of February has been declared as Melanin Week. “It is a time for students to showcase what it means to black and proud,” said Mondyna Prevot, a junior biology major serving as BSU’s public relations chair.
Each day of the week will have a particular theme for students to participate in. Monday, Feb. 13 is Black Out, a day where all students are encouraged to dress in black.
Tuesday, Feb. 14 is Afrocentric Day, where students are to wear African-style clothing. This coincides with the African Dance Company event happening later that day at 7 p.m. in the Multi-purpose Room.
Wednesday, Feb. 15 is ‘Fro Day, devoted to styling one’s hair as an afro.
Lastly, Thursday, Feb. 16 is Black Excellence Day, which encourages students of color to dress in professional attire. An open mic/poetry slam co-sponsored with Brother 2 Brother will occur later that day in Fenton Hall 105 at 7 p.m.
Nearing the end of the month, BSU will be co-hosting an event with Latinos Unidos, Caribbean Student Association and African Student Union in an event called “Black and Brown All Around.” The purpose of this event is to come together on what it means to be a person of color. It will take place Monday, Feb. 20 in the Multi-purpose Room at 7 p.m.
Lastly, BSU will host a “Unity Dinner” for their closing ceremony. The event will take place Sunday, Feb. 26 in the Multi-purpose Room at 7 p.m.
Throughout the month of February, artwork will be on display next to the FSA Cafe in McEwen Hall called Memory Lane. “[The artwork] will have important leaders in black history” said Sabrina Irby, a senior political science major serving as BSU’s event coordinator, “as well as people who have contributed to black history in Fredonia, like faculty and staff.”
Black History Month is sponsored annually by BSU. Their intended goal is to spread awareness on the black identity and the history and issues of the black community. “[BSU] gives a sense of togetherness,” said Tonya Preddie, a sophomore video production major serving as BSU’s secretary, “showing that students of color on this campus are not alone in the certain struggles they go through.”
Throughout the year, BSU has general body meetings for all students to come together to hold a shared sense of community. All are welcome to attend their general body meetings, as well as this month’s events celebrating black history.