By Tarah Jeannis, contributing writer
Feb. 1 marks the beginning of Black History Month. During this time, many African American heroes are remembered for their achievements and legacies. The celebration began early when it dedicated a memorial to the first Black student that attended the University on Martin Luther King Day. Students and staff express their thoughts on the month.
“Black History Month is a time of reflection and celebration for all of us. It is a time to celebrate and embrace the full spectrum of diversity that is our University community, a chance to reflect on the levels of respect and racial tolerance that have changed in the course of our collective history, and a time to embrace and fight for the integrity and dignity of all peoples,” said Justin Yates.
“As a child of mixed blood, I see things differently. I, myself, come from two parents of different race and culture. My father was Irish and my mother is Puerto Rican. As I grew, I had the advantage of seeing the world in a different way; others not as fortunate. With things like Black History Month, we as Americans are able to educate one another on cultural differences and learn or even go more in depth with the African American culture. It is a wonderful thing to have, and we all should hold it near and dear,” said Freshman Lorraine (Lola) Manley
Even though the month is supposed to be a reminder to the nation of the racial injustices that occurred during times of segregation, some students feel differently.
“Actually, I’m not a big fan of Black History Month. We should celebrate the freedom of American Africans everyday through common courtesy and emanating love to everyone—of all races. And yet, every February, I look forward to hearing about the revolutionary activists who marched through the Civil Rights movement. Black History should be voluntary information acquired with passion and awe for the power of the people,” said Junior Ali Lavalle
Meanwhile, other students would prefer collective events of community service.
“I believe we should have had a collection of awareness, where the campus acknowledges and doesn’t just “blow off” another national holiday to shoehorn in more classes, and, to a larger effect, all business operations. If we could actually take the day to recognize not only MLK day, but also a national day of service, of bettering our community (one of our core values), we can actually embrace the true spirit of the day. Why not spend the day reflecting on how we are helping someone in need, instead of haphazardly throwing something together in between classes? Why not have a large student-oriented ceremony to glorify what proves to be a wonderful monument to diversity and pioneership, but was presented as a quick showcase for the board members and a few students not in class at 4 p.m. on a Monday. Honestly, we should all accept who we are and be comfortable enough to go about the day without thinking of outdated, preconceived notions of race, gender, or sexual preference. “
To celebrate the historic month, SLU will host many events to gather the student body in remembrance. There will be trivia events the whole month focusing on the accomplishments of significant African Americans. Participants will be entered in to win a kindle fire
Songs of the Civil Rights by Lea Morris on Feb. 4 is a musical event that will focus on songs and spirituals that were part of the Civil Rights Movement
Realize the Dream on Feb. 18 will allow student to personalize canvas or ribbons on what “realizing the dream” means today. These ribbons will be displayed after the event
