BLACK HISTORY MONTH CONVERSATION
February is Black History Month, and to commemorate, members of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at Bradley University had this conversation!
In this video, four Bradley students discuss a range of topics including the meaning of Black History Month, their experiences at Bradley, and funny moments of their times here at Bradley.
BY HOPE WEBB
February is Black History Month, and Bradley’s student organizations are gearing up to help educate the campus during this month of celebration and teaching.
However, to many the month is about more than just black history.
“I see Black History Month as a celebration of all the different things we should be and are already celebrating,” said Norris Chase, executive director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
“This month is perfectly reminiscent of the past, appreciative of the present and inspiring for the future. The individuals that are highlighted during this month are so intelligent, yet they’re fundamentally human. Throughout it all, we as people are all a part of Black History Month,” he said.
In his Black History Month proclamation this year, President Obama alluded to progress as well as challenges we still need to address as a nation.
“Challenges persist and obstacles still stand in the way of becoming the country envisioned at our founding, and we would do a disservice to all who came before us if we remained blind to the way past injustices shape the present,” Obama said in his proclamation.
Chase had similar thoughts. “There are people who deal with discriminations in today’s world. We’re still having a conversation about women and equal pay. We’re still having a conversation about how to provide quality services to people who identify as LGBT,” he said.
Since 1976, every American president has designated February as Black History Month, according to History.com. This year’s theme is “Hallowed Grounds: Sites of African American Memories.”
“Black history is simply American history. The values that are highlighted in Black History Month are those that we should and do support as a nation: justice, family, equality, scholarship, ingenuity, the list goes on and on,” said Chase.
To commemorate the month, Bradley student organizations and the Black History Month Planning Committee are putting on no fewer than 21 events during the month of February. These events range from guest speakers to a speech team showcase to a Mardi Gras celebration.
“Bradley is an institution that has a very direct focus on educating people for the future. At the core of it, that is the purpose of celebrating our history’s leaders,” said Chase.
Bradley student Deanna Wellere spoke of her past experiences with Black History Month, and her appreciation of Bradley supporting minority students’ voices.
“The administration advocates so much for us being able to speak out,” she said. “Where you would think ‘Oh, they don’t understand what it’s like to be a black person,’ you have those individuals who are willing to learn. That’s what I love about Black History Month.”
To Sojourner White, Bradley student and resident advisor, Black History Month is a teaching opportunity.
“There are some non-minority students who are genuinely curious about African American culture, and instead of getting offended about their questions, we should listen,” she said.
Chase believes Black History Month adds to the bigger picture of the so-called “Bradley experience” that students are encouraged to pursue during their years on the hilltop.
“At the core of it, I hope these events as well as the entire Bradley experience help students gain the ability and the comfort level to interact with people who are different than them,” said Chase.
Anyone interested in learning more about Black History Month and the calendar of events for the month can visit Bradley.edu/diversity.
“It’s not about blacks, it’s not even about race. It’s about progression, growth, equality for all, and essentially, humanity,” said Chase.