The history of Black History month began around 1915 after the thirteenth amendment abolished salvery in the United States.
In September during that year, historian Carter G. Woodson and minister Jesse E. Moorland created the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH).
The organization was created to research and advocate the achievements by African Americans or Africans from different descents.
Since these two organizations were created, they formed what is called Negro History Week in 1926, choosing February as the month to celebrate many historical events.
This event has inspired different schools and communities to get together and host events surrounding the idea of what it means to be African American.
As an institution of learning, during the month of February, Saint Xavier University also takes part in this celebration. The university takes this month to remind African American students the importance of their stories and how valuable it is to celebrate their history.
Ms. Lisa Lyons, an Academic Resource Advisor and the hoster of the events, explains how the university takes the time to celebrate the traditional heroes like Martin Luther King Jr., not only from the past, but current times.
It is a moment to celebrate the accomplishments of the people from this community.
Black History Month is also an opportunity to educate the universities’ community more about the culture of their fellow classmates, staff, and faculty. The celebration goes on for an entire month and students from the black student committee take action about what happens during the month.
Ms. Lyons explains how the Saint Xavier community looks forward to three events in particular.
The first one being African American achievement awards.This event has been around for six years now and it has become one of the top favorites among students. During this event, students get excited to see who will become recognized/honored among faculty, staff and students. They create performances and a big after party. This event is open to the community and also the parents of students.
Another event that is very popular is called “Back Down Memory Lane.” This event was created to show students the journal of black culture and black history themes on music and historical events during different eras.
The third event is called the Convenience of Black Excellence. During this event, the university invites African American professionals to campus. The guests of this event talk about their route in life and education. It also gives students an opportunity to see what particular jobs are out there. It demonstrates how there are people from writers, to doctors in their community. This year there will be a host from a funeral home explaining the professional side of their job. The University tries to bring professionals from different fields. It is good to show all of the opportunities out there for them.
Besides these major events, there are minor events like Love and relationships, open mic night, the story abroad is hosting information sessions, special speakers, trap and painting, and in the Diner, there will be different types of food every Monday representing African American cuisine.
For non-African American students, Ms. Lyons recommends attending these events. She explains how important it is for others to be open minded about learning from these events.
All of the events are open to the SXU community. It is a moment to be engaged and learning. As she mentioned it is a celebration , but it is also a moment to learn.
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