Saint Xavier University hosted an array of events throughout the month of February in honor of Black History Month, and the many accomplishments and contributions made by AfricanAmericans and black communities.
Throughout the whole month of February, in the Robert and Mary-Rita Murphy Stump Library, there was a wide range of books by African-American authors that were put together by the SXU library staff, as well as staff and family from the Black History Month Committee and African-American Studies Program.
On Saturday, February 2, Saturday Night Vibes hosted the Evolution of Hip Hop in the Regina Res Center for students to come and enjoy.
This event encouraged students to come and enjoy hip hop music that was first produced by artists including Afrika Bambaataa, Grand Master Flash, Run DMC, Public Enemy, East Coast Versus West Coast and varying rappers of today, while wearing an outfit from their favorite hip era.
On Tuesday, February 5, SXU Speaks hosted “Not Your Negro” for the SXU community to come and have a discussion on the identity of the “Black Man” in the Wiseman Student Lounge from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
This SXU Speaks highlighted the cultural experience that encompasses black communities, as well as the oppression that they face in media, education, and society.
On Wednesday, February 6, the event Back Down Memory Lane was hosted in the Wiseman Student Lounge. Through this event, students could walk through the decades starting with the Harlem Renaissance and continuing through the start of the new millennium.
On Friday, February 8, Paige Samuels and Theresa Luabeya lead an Afro Beats/ Soca Dance Class in the Shannon Center Dance room. This dance class let students have a fun and upbeat dance workout that was set to high energy Afro Beats music from West Africa and Soca music from the West Indies.
On Saturday, February 9, Saturday Night Vibes hosted an Open Mic Night in the Regina Res Center for students to come have a cup of coffee with the Elected of Zion. The open mic performances were encouraged by chances to win prizes. There was also food, contest prizes, and performances for the students to go and enjoy.
On Monday February 11, students were encouraged to join the Elected of Zion in the Butler Reception Room from 4-5 p.m. for an open gathering to have a discussion on black LGBTQIA+.
This discussion was a way for students to explore the interconnected nature of social categorizations of black and queer people in the church and the relationship between the black LGBTQIA+ community, the black church and its leaders.
On Tuesday, February 12, the President of AASDC, Jenetta Dunbar, lead a discussion on ways to stay healthy and become knowledgeable about the physical and mental health issues that are widespread in the Black community.
On Thursday, February 14, the event “Black Hair-itage” was hosted for students and friends to go and learn about AfricanAmerican hair textures, products, and journeys from current SXU students.
These were just a few of the events hosted in honor of Black History Month for the year of 2019.
Saint Xavier University takes pride in having such a diverse community and is proud to host these numerous events to honor the culture, acknowledge the accomplishments made by the black communities, and to ignite meaningful discussions that spark a change in the students lives.
Kylee Rus
News Reporter