Education & Wellness: Campus Initiatives for Black History Month
As Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are further scrutinized by governing officials, Black History Month celebrations still stand strong at Maryville College.
Both the Black Student Alliance (BSA) and the Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (CDEI) are hosting a variety of events in February to celebrate the annual commemorative month in which Black heritage and history are honored throughout the United States. While the current political atmosphere in the U.S. is full of contention for many, both BSA and the CDEI still decided to create a space for dialogue, reflection and celebration this month.
Bri Mendoza (‘27), the public relations representative of BSA, expressed the organization’s goal to emphasize their commitment to broadening education and inclusivity with this year’s events.
“Our main goal for this year’s Black History Month celebrations is to address and challenge ignorance,” Mendoza said.
“We aim to educate individuals who may be unfamiliar with the rich history, culture and contributions of Black communities, fostering greater awareness and understanding.” Mendoza further elaborated.
BSA’s Black History Month celebrations include events held once per week for the entire month of February.
The first week of Black History Month for BSA included a workshop to amplify the voices of members while also educating them on current events. The second week brought an African American Cuisine Workshop, which displayed various dishes created and pioneered by African American communities.
For the third week, from 7-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 19, BSA will host a bonnet workshop in Bartlett 101, allowing participants to create their own bonnets and learn about the tradition of bonnet wearing as it relates to hair care, culture and heritage.
In the last week of February, BSA plans to visit the Beck Cultural Exchange Center in Knoxville.
Mendoza also highlighted the ongoing role of BSA, both during and after Black History Month celebrations.
“The key takeaway should be that the Black Student Alliance is not solely a space for celebrating Black History Month,” said Mendoza. “BSA serves as a resource and community for all students, regardless of their background, fostering inclusivity, education and support year-round. Black History Month provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of African American history, but the work of BSA extends far beyond this single month.”
Director of the Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and faculty advisor of BSA, Aja Rodriguez, shared her perspective on the significance of Black History Month.
“Black History is the history of the United States and we would not exist as a country without it,” she said. “The number of inventions, musical influences, food and cultural influences alone would astound you if you really started to understand how much of it is directly from Black citizens and ancestors.”
Rodriquez has created several events with the CDEI to celebrate Black History Month and ensure a unifying message for the student body that, “Black History is not being erased!”
Kicking off the lineup of CDEI events is “Trail Mix It Up” on Feb. 13 from 3-5 p.m. in Bartlett 101, where attendees can customize their snacks while engaging in thought-provoking conversations regarding campus culture.
Honoring Black artistry, the “Black Out Poetry” workshop will take place on Feb. 19 from 6-8 p.m. in the Center for Campus Ministry, allowing students to create poetry by blacking out words in existing texts and performing their pieces. The month’s events conclude with the “BHM Tabling and Playlist Project” on Feb. 21 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, where students can enter giveaways and submit their favorite songs by Black artists to be compiled into a shared playlist.
When asked about the intention of the events and acknowledgment of Black History Month, Rodriquez said it is, “to celebrate Black history, culture and pride out loud and with a resounding understanding that although there may be changes in the events, this month of celebrations and acknowledgments will never go away.”