The celebration of Black History Month should be a time of reflection and reveling of black history and culture. This is why the Black Student UnionâÄôs Black History Month theme for this year is “Unveiling Our Heritage.”
As Maya Angelou wrote in her book “And Still I Rise”; “Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise. I rise. I rise.” This month the BSU continues that dream by its events for the celebration of Black History Month.
As many of you are aware, the BSU here at the University of Minnesota is a cultural student group that is housed in Coffman Union, Room 209.
A large part of what we do as a student group is raise cultural awareness of black-American and African culture here on the campus and in the
community.
We do this best during Black History Month.
Black History Month can date back to 1926 when Dr. Carter G. Woodson launched Negro History Week, which usually took place annually in the second week of February.
Exactly 50 years later in 1976 the week evolved into a month.
We, the BSU, would like to take time this year to salute Woodson for driving forth his vision that is now our annual reality âÄî a month-long celebration and reflection of black history.
Last week the BSU kicked off the month with our annual Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration.
We had a great time showcasing the beauty and remarkable history of blacks in American society.
If you missed the kick-off celebration, do not worry because we have more events to come throughout the rest of February. They include:
Reading to elementary school students âÄî on Feb. 11, BSU members and other interested University students will go visit classrooms at local inner-city schools and read age- appropriate books that pertain to black history.
Share my world âÄî 5 p.m., Feb. 16, in Coffman, Room 303, we have unique intercultural plans. This event is a type of a melting pot where different cultures can come together and showcase their culture through food. Bring your appetite!
Dancing in our Heritage âÄî 6:30 p.m., Feb. 20, in Coffman Theater we will be hosting a dance showcase of the evolution of black dance culture from African ballet to hip-hop. Bring your friends, you will be entertained!
Movie night and discussion âÄî weâÄôll be watching “Black Wall Street” on Feb. 23 in Coffman, Room 209. You can come watch a film about a piece of black history that is rarely talked about and have a light discussion about it afterwards.
All of the BSU events are free and open to everyone.
Please come out and support our student group and help us celebrate and learn about black history and our cultural heritage.
Please inquire about joining our group at [email protected].
You can find us on Facebook by using the same e-mail address.
Visit our website at: http://www.tc.umn.edu/~bsu.
Lastly, come visit us in our cultural center in Coffman, Room 209.
