By Talina Sepulveda
Black History Month is a time, for nearly 100 years, we get to show our love and appreciation for the brave people of our past who stood up for social change in this country. Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Marcus Garvey, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Malcolm X, and Rosa Parks are some of the few leaders in the community who worked towards civil rights.
The overall theme for 2024 Black History Month is African Americans in the Arts. African American art reflects the cultures of Africa, the Caribbean, and Black America in various creative forms.
Before there was Black History Month, there was “Negro History Week.” It was started in the 1920s by Dr. Woodson, since he believed that celebrating black history would have a lasting impact on the generations to come.
“We are going back to that beautiful history, and it is going to inspire us to greater achievements” - Dr. Woodson
I was delighted to hear that here at GU there is a powerful group of young leaders that want to inspire change. “It is an honor to be able to make a difference in a big place or even the smallest place by increasing inclusivity, bringing diversity, and educating more people on black culture. I can do this with my role as BSU president here at Graceland University. I plan on utilizing my role to the best of my abilities for growth” Davvy Bancey, BSU president (ig:earth2shadow)
BSU has done a great job filling this month with fun and educational experiences all can enjoy. One of the more prominent features of this month-long celebration is Color Week starting on the February 12th. The colors worn throughout the week all have significance. Black honors the nation of resilient people, red remembers the blood of innocent lives, yellow seeks optimism, justice, and equality, and green celebrates Africa’s natural wealth. There are other events to partake in as well, skate night on the 24th and Choices takeover with a theme of Motown.