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TWU celebrates Black History Month

Black History Month is a time of remembrance for those of color. It’s a time to remember those who suffered and those who fought for what is right. Each February African Americans are celebrated for all the achievements that have been accomplished.

It wasn’t until 1915, 50 years after the 13th amendment was passed, that Black History Month began to be celebrated. For many years, the United States Presidents have given a theme to February in correspondence to Black History Month. “African Americans in Time of War” is the theme this year according to HISTORY.com. In relation to the theme, this year marks the 100th year since WWI and “honors the roles that black Americans have played in warfare, from the Revolutionary War to present day” stated by HISTORY.com. 

TWU Associate Professor of Multicultural Women’s and Gender Studies Dr. Danielle Phillips-Cunningham explained that February should not be the only month that African Americans should be celebrated, but that “accomplishments should be recognized throughout the year then we will come closer to being fully recognized as American citizens.” 

February can also be an opportunity for those of other races to learn about the accomplishments of people of color. Senior Interdisciplinary Studies major Demarion Pace said, “Black History Month gives people of all races the opportunity to learn about the African American community and should not be overlooked.” This month can help those who are not well informed become informed as well. “When a person has been taught it and understands it, they can perceive it better. It’s a celebration month to thank them,” explained Pace. 

Black History Month is not only a time to celebrate those who have accomplished so much, but also a month for “all of us to be better informed about the culture of others,” says Major General Retired Mary Saunders. 

Black History Month can help shine light on those who have accomplished great things, sometimes those who we never knew were there. Saunders explained that, “If people don’t see, either by gender or by culture, that people have done these types of things, sometimes it makes them feel that they can’t do that because they’ve never seen a black doctor, that’s why I think it’s important for the person to see a lot of things have happened.”   

There are many influential people that stand out during this month, however, sometimes we look over those closest to us. Saunders said that she looks up to her parents and all that they have taught her. Pace looks up to her grandmother for how she raised her eight children and for how strong she was. Phillips-Cunningham sees the First African American First Lady, Michelle Obama, as a great role model for what she has accomplished and continues to accomplish. 

TWU always celebrates diversity across campus, and this month is no different. There will be multiple events across campus that help celebrate BHM.

The events are: 

February 7th: Soul Food Dinner in the Student Union Underground at 4pm, cost is $8.66 (+tax) per guest. 

February 12th: Poetry Night; Cultural Connections Speaker Series Presents ShySpeaks in Multipurpose Classroom and Laboratory Building 101 at 6 pm. 

February 21st: Movie Night- Marshall in Classroom Facility Office 202 at 6 pm. 

February 28th: Gender Pronouns in Classroom Facility Office (CFO) 205 at 4:30 pm. 

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