February marks not only a month to grab a sweetheart and remember loved ones. It also marks a time to remember those contributions made by African-Americans in our history. "Black History Month is important because it's a deep part of our heritage and our culture," said Black Student Alliance Council President LaPorcha Carter.
Black History Month celebrations begin 7 p.m. Sunday in Rudder Auditorium, with a performance by the Dallas Black Dance Theatre.
Black History Month is recognized every year in February and began when Carter G. Woodson started a Negro History Week in 1926 as a way to remember the contributions made by African-Americans to history.
"He started off basically recognizing the blacks within history that were either undocumented or overlooked when we go through the history books and when learn about history in the classroom," said Leah Wade, chairwoman for the Memorial Student
Center Woodson Black Awareness Committee."Over time, that celebration translated and shifted to not just a week in February, but became a month of celebration in honor of Dr. Woodson," she said.
The Carter G. Woodson Black Awareness Committee, WBAC, was founded in 1969 in the Memorial Student Center and focuses on educational programming about the African-American community.
"WBAC has taken the charge of facilitating many Black History Month programs from all disciplines along with the surrounding community," Wade said.
This year many activities and programs are planned to celebrate Black History Month around campus.
"It's a time to recognize the significance of the African-American community in our history and the important things and great things African-Americans have done for this country and our people, and everyone in general," Carter said.
The Committee emphasizes that the meaning of Black History Month is much more than hosting events and remembering prominent leaders.
"To me, Black History Month doesn't have to be celebrated by just African-Americans," said junior international studies major Cindy Teniente. "It's a time for everyone to reflect on those people that really made a difference in our society and paved the way for other people."
In 2008, Black History Month at Texas A&M was limited to only 10 events, and has since expanded to be a campus-wide event with more than 20 events planned and many contributing organizations.
"It's a great time for me. I always like to call Black History Month a prelude to the year. We call it Black History Year within our committee because we like to celebrate it throughout the year," Wade said.
Other events planned for the month include film showings, lectures, exhibitions and conversations. A Black History Month game show will also be open to the campus where students can register with teams of four and possibly win a $1,000 grand prize.
"I feel tied to my ancestors during Black History Month. I have so much respect for those people who are part of black history, and who worked so hard for us so we can be where we are now, so we stand on their shoulders. So it's important for our current generation to appreciate what our ancestors have done for us," Carter said.
The Committee has placed advertisements around campus promoting Black History Month entitled "I am Black History." These posters feature Texas A&M students of all nationalities.
Wade said these advertisements serve as a reminder that Black History Month is not just to be celebrated by African-Americans, but by all nationalities as well.
Some campus organizations involved include the Black Student Alliance Council, Department of Multicultural Services, African American Professional Organization and the Black Graduate Students Association.
Black History Month events, next week.
All Month: Walking with presidents (a photography exhibition). Opening reception is Tuesday, 6 p.m., Wright Gallery (Langford Architecture Bldg).
Sunday: Black History Month Kickoff - Celebrating Black Arts: Presenting The Dallas Black Dance Theater at 7 p.m. Rudder Theater.
Tuesday: Community conversation. "The Day Everything Changed: What to do when a campus incident puts you on the national news" by Dr. Jessica Pettitt, 11:30 a.m., Rudder 410.
Friday, February 5: AAPO First Friday Lecture Series: "Communities of African Descent in Latin America and the Caribbean" by Dr. Glenn Chambers, assistant professor, history. 11:30 a.m., Koldus 111.
