Feb. 1 marked the beginning of Black History Month, a month honoring those who fought for the liberation of black people and contributed greatly to society.
Here at the University of Arizona, African American Student Affairs is holding a variety of events to celebrate black excellence throughout the month.
“I see it as a time for black folks to get in touch with a history that is often hidden, misconstrued or demonized,” said Brysen Young, Coalition of Black Organizations co-executive director and financial aid peer adviser. “This grants us the opportunity to not see our history as something that consisted of nothing but oppression, but as a time that consisted of a non-stop wave of black excellence.”
RELATED: TSC seeks to give transfer students the full UA experience
Social media is being used as a source for celebrating as well, according to Jaborius Ball, coordinator of African American Student Affairs.
“We have ‘28 days of Black History,’ where every day we’ve given out facts on our social media handles exemplifying our history,” Ball said.
The events being held are meant to bring together and educate the black community on campus and its supporters.
“The events that the Coalition of Black Organizations holds are not exclusively to black folks; however, a majority of our events will be held in AASA, which is a safe space for black folks,” Young said. “If a person who is not black wants to attend our events, they are free to support, as long as they respect the safe space and the people who call this place home.”
The month of events kicked off with a Neo Soul Lounge. The lounge took place at African American Student Affairs, where people gathered to listen to neo soul music, socialize, enjoy refreshments and discuss topics relevant to and inspired by the music.
Connecting neo soul music to black culture was a key topic of the night, Young said.
“Neo soul is one of the greater outlets of black culture. The emotion and vibe of the genre can be related to so many of us,” said Stanley Richardson, an event attendee.
RELATED: Bringing words to life through UA Prose Series
Richardson expressed fondness of the atmosphere of the event.
“I enjoyed how understanding everyone was being. Not once did I ever feel judged for having my own opinion,” Richardson said. “Everyone was so supportive.”
For more information on African American Student Affairs’ Black History Month events, check out the list below or visit the website.
SISTA Chat/MOCA (Fresh Cut Fridays)
Date: Feb. 8
Location: African American Student Affairs room 209 and 100
Time: 5 p.m.
Racism: Is Christianity the Problem or the Solution?
Date: Feb. 12
Location: Crowder Hall
Time: 7 p.m.
Author of Me – Navigating College as First-Gen and More
Date: Feb. 13
Location: African American Student Affairs room 209
Time: 12 p.m.
Book Talk: A Blend of Brown: Exploring First-Gen Student of Color Realities w/ Facing a Bottle of Henny
Date: Feb. 13
Location: Cesar E. Chavez room 111
Time: 5 p.m.
Black Love
Date: Feb. 13
Location: African American Student Affairs room 209
Time: 6:30 p.m.
No Cap! Black, Disabled & Advocates
Date: Feb. 14
Location: African American Student Affairs room 209
Time: Noon
Film Screening of “Love Jones”
Date: Feb. 14
Location: African American Student Affairs room 209
Time: 7 p.m.
MOCA (Fresh Cut Fridays)
Date: Feb. 15
Location: African American Student Affairs room 209
Time: 5 p.m.
Film Screening of “Shut Up and Dribble”
Date: Feb. 15
Location: African American Student Affairs room 209
Time: 7 p.m.
Real Talk: Minority Professional Panel Discussion
Date: Feb. 19, 2019
Location: Student Engagement and Career Development Suite room 409
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Sista Chat/BSU Hair Forum
Date: Feb. 22
Location: African American Student Affairs room 209
Time: 5 p.m.
Spoken Word
Date: Feb. 26
Location: African American Student Affairs room 209
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Block Party
Date: Feb. 27
Location: African American Student Affairs parking lot
Time: 5 p.m.
Follow Ambur Wilkerson on Twitter
