Happy Black History Month!
This year marks the 95th anniversary of Negro History Week, now known as Black History Month. Founded in 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, this period was designed to acknowledge the history, culture, and the plight of Black/African American people in the United States. In its earlier years, it was celebrated during the second week of February—to acknowledge Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass’s birthdays. Today, Black History Month is an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to discuss the Black experience—both in the United States and abroad.
The Black History Month Celebration in 2021 will be a unique one. It follows the losses of heroes like John Lewis, Rev. Dr. James Netters, David Dinkins, Cicely Tyson, Chadwick Boseman, Betty Wright, Dr. Katherine Johnson, Joe Clark, and Hank Aaron—just to name a few. It also follows the election of Kamala Harris—the United States’ first Black (Jamaican), first Asian (Indian) and first woman vice president in its history. Each of them represents the diversity in talents, gifts, and accomplishments within the Black community. We honor them and others who have made their mark on our world.
Over the next four weeks, GCU’s Black Student Union (BSU) and the Council for Diversity and Inclusion will host trivia nights, discussions, and community read sessions that focus on Black identity—in both academia and the world at large. We encourage you to attend these events and actively participate in them. Ask questions. Reflect on what you learn. Think about how it can be used in your journey as a global-minded citizen. If we want to be the change that we wish to see, then we must “do the work.”
GCU remains committed to authentically acknowledging the racial, gendered, religious, abled, and socioeconomic experiences of all people—all year round. Join us this month as we celebrate this moment in history and stay with us as we honor others throughout the year.
