By: Erica Patton
As we all know and recognize February stands as an important month for many people in America. As Black History remains an incredibly important topic of conversation, Black History Month highlights the accomplishments, activists and future of African-American individuals.
Credit: The Baltimore Station
Black History Month holds a powerful significance as its birth takes us back to 1926 when African-American Scholar Carter G. Woodson founded Negro History Week. According to NPR Writer Sandhya Dirks’ article “Why does Black History Month Matter?” the highly celebrated week which is now known as Black History Month, was created to celebrate the contributions of Black people in America and supply resources to Black teachers.
While this prestigious month entails recognizing African-American history, focusing on the contributions of African-Americans and honoring Black culture, UMSL also raises importance with many special events. Students, faculty and all UMSL affiliates are invited to celebrate Black History Month with some of the following events:
What’s February without some love? From 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tues. Feb. 13, UMSL will be hosting Black Love 2.0. Here there will be a trivia session and open discussion about romantic relationships in the Black community in Century Room A of the MSC.
If you need support and want more resources for mental health, Melanin & Mental Health may be for you. This structured 8-week program hopes to allow Black students to share experiences, create a community and provide a safe place for any wellness concerns. MNMH takes place on Thursdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in 131 MSC.
Credit: TritonConnect
For the poets of UMSL, Pierre Laclede Honors College offers Traversing Blackness: The Poetics of Place and Existence in the EdCollabitat. From 5 to 6 p.m. on Feb. 20, honors students are invited to read and share poetry with Poet and Professor Jason Vasser-Elong.
Credit: TritonConnect
For those who want a more upbeat event, Trap Zumba will be held on Feb. 21 at the RWC in studio 4 from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. Come join the energetic fitness class with Instructor Treece as you move and groove with others.
Those interested in more of the informal side of Black history may be interested in attending the BFSA African American Panel Discussion on Feb. 22 from 3 to 4 p.m. in Anheuser-Busch Hall, room 001. People will have the opportunity to meet the Black Faculty Staff Association to discuss the arts concerning African Americans. These panelists include Felia Davenport, MFA
Vanessa Gary, Ph.D., Jacqueline Thompson, MFA and Jason Vasser-Elong, MFA.
Last but certainly not least, the Unity Homecoming Social will be hosted on Feb. 28 from 3 to 5 p.m. in SGA Chambers. UMSL encourages all students of color and allies to join alumni and share experiences and advice to become better community leaders.
For more information on Black History Month at UMSL, visit TritonConnect to reach out to supervisors and RSVP your spot for these events today.