Today, March 1, marks the end of Black History Month, having lasted the entirety of February. Milligan’s campus hosted two main events for Black History Month: a panel titled “Lenses of the Black Experience” and a sampling of cultural foods followed by a panel discussion.
Black History Month originated in the 1970s at Kent State University and occurs every year in the months of October and February. The honorary months were created in hopes of spreading awareness and the celebration of African-American history and are observed in the U.S., Canada, Germany and the Netherlands.
In past Black History Months, Milligan students have helped plan events aimed at furthering awareness of diversity on campus. “Lenses of the Black Experience” was the first of such events this year and was organized by Milligan students.
Jalen Glass, junior social work major and one of the organizers of “Lenses of Black Experience,” said of Black History Month and its importance, “This month is a time for us to all get together and celebrate black culture for its beauty and strength and to reconcile damage that has been done.”
The event kicked off Black History Month at Milligan and was held Feb. 6 in Hyder Auditorium. The panel, worth 2 SFP, was meant to serve as a campus conversation and featured speakers Professor of Psychology Dr. Lori Mills, Associate Professor of English and Humanities Dr. Michael Blouin, Professor of Ministerial Formation Dr. Gary Selby, Professor of Theology and World Christianity Dr. Samuel “Kip” Elolia, and visual arts director and seminary student Trevor Wentt. Over a hundred people attended this panel as the speakers shared their stories and words of wisdom regarding the black experience.
The next Black History Month event, Satisfy the Soul, was held on Feb. 15 in SUB 7 and featured different cultural foods for attendees to sample while also featuring a panel discussion. The food was prepared by freshmen Aamir Bullitt and Sarah Baker, sophomores Teve Mushayamunda and Rebecca Urges, and junior Jalen Glass.
“I think overall the events were a success,” Glass said. “I believe they act as a stepping stone to do more, but there can still be more done in general to promote diversity and reconciliation outside of Black History Month, like more campus conversations, movie showings like ‘12 Years a Slave’ and even campus vigils for victims of police brutality.”
