Black History Month: A time where facing the past helps shape the future
Black History Month kicks off a year-long celebration of diversity
Autumn Moore, Black Student Union president, said her planning team has come up with cultural events to help the black community embrace their heritage. Black History Month is a month long celebration that begins Feb 1. (Photo taken Jan. 25, 2017) Photo credit: Jessamyn Reichmann
January 27, 2017
February celebrates more than just Carnival and Cupid. It also recognizes the role black Americans have in U.S. history during Black History Month.
Ten of Loyola’s organizations founded on black culture and success are using this month to propel their groups into a year-long celebration of diversity.
Elyse Harrison, psychology senior and Alpha Kappa Alpha Eta Theta chapter president, said that it is important that the black community educate themselves on their heritage.
“Black History Month serves as a celebration of culture, on which the Alpha Kappa Alpha’s were birthed. This sisterhood highlights black identity and especially attending schools in a racially prejudice America,” Harrison said.
Autumn Moore, finance junior and Black Student Union president, has been planning events for Black History Month throughout the fall semester.
“Through these events, we plan on building up this momentum of knowledge and carrying it out through the rest of the year,” Moore said.
Pertaining specifically to future success of women of color, Loyola’s Living Our Vision Everyday chapter is focused on just that.
L.O.V.E. is a group for people of color whose goals are to liberate and educate their fellow sisters.
Gala Gonsalves, psychology junior major and marketing and communication chair of L.O.V.E’s chapter, emphasized the importance of Black History Month and how L.O.V.E helps propel their purpose year round.
“Our goal as a sisterhood is to uplift and praise women of color, to fight against the prejudice that education and women of color don’t coexist,” Gonsalves said.
BSU Event’s for Black History Month
February 1 – Know your rights: A presentation led by a local New Orleans police officer, clarifying the legal rights of every citizens.
February 4 – Plantation excursion: A one-day trip to the historical Whitney Plantation, In western Louisiana.
February 8 – Tutoring session: BSU members and hired tutors helping Loyola Students for an evening.
February 14 – Love talks: A presentation concerning the topic of love, sex and relationships in a college setting.
February 16 – How to be socially smart: In an evolving world surrounded by social media, this event covers the steps of being socially smart.
February 22 – Business Program: A presentation/discussion supplying tips for scoring a job in your ideal profession.
