Black History Month at UT

Christopher Scott, president of Student African American Brotherhood, believes Black History Month is a powerful accomplishment.

"I think we should celebrate Black History Month because it gives us a moment of remembrance, to remember those who not only fought for justice but those who fought for peace among all nations."

Throughout February, various UT organizations including SAAB will host events for the UT community and the public as part of the month-long celebration.

The festivities start with the upcoming Black History Month Kick-Off Event Monday from noon to 2 p.m. in the Student Union Building Auditorium. It will host poets and guest speakers as well as a dance group and choir.

The first event of February, entitled  "Black Leaders History," will be hosted by SAAB next Thursday at 8 p.m. Basheer Jones, a motivational speaker and graduate of Morehouse College, will be speaking at the event.

SAAB is also hosting "A Good Grade Makes a Difference" on Feb. 9 at 8 p.m. Keathun Gale, a leader in the Greater Cleveland Urban League and graduate of the College of Wooster, will be speaking about the importance of building positive relationships with peers and staff.

Another event is the Black History Month Poetry Slam on Feb. 6 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Student Union Building Auditorium.

Emily Hardcastle, community outreach coordinator for the Office of Equity, Diversity and Community Engagement, said students are encouraged to come and showcase their poetry and listen to Brandon Thornton, the featured guest poet of the night.

"The Black Greek Xperience" will take place Feb. 9 from noon to 2 p.m. in the Student Union Building Auditorium. This is an informational session for individuals who are in an African American sorority or fraternity and wish to share any stereotypes or misconceptions about Greek life.

Rasheed Ali Cromwell, author of the book "The Miseducation of the Black Greek," will be giving a 90-minute lecture about the African American perspective on Greek life. Free food will be available.

The Black Student Union will host two popular events next month. The first event is the second-annual "Harlem Renaissance" in Rocky's Attic on Feb. 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. BSU President Victoria Delly said last year's event had a successful turnout and they wanted to keep the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance alive.

 It will be a mock event based off the New Negro Movement in the 1920s and ‘30s. Delly said it will be a time for students to come together to celebrate the innovative and intellectual poetry, art and dance of the movement.

BSU will also host their 43rd annual Black Fashion Show on Feb. 24 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in the Student Union Auditorium. The theme is "Sankofa." Delly said the theme represents "stepping into your future but looking back at your past to know where you came from."

"Black Student Union Fashion Show is focusing on black history and of the growth of black people within our community at UT," she said. "We have a very diverse community at UT and a large part of the population is African American. People are ignorant on the subject of black history and slavery and it is important to cater to the needs and wants of all students."

Sponsoring these events are the Office of Multicultural Student Success, Office of Dean of Students, President's Lecture Series on Diversity as well as SAC partnering with CAP.

For more information, contact Megan Woodruff at 419-530-2992 for a full detailed schedule of events.