Frederick Brown
Reporter
This week marks 90 years since Carter G. Woodson first promoted the idea of Negro History Week as a chance to honor and celebrate the struggles and accomplishments of the African-American community. It would take 43 years for it to become a full month and another seven after that before the government recognized it as such. In this week’s Spectator Sound-Off, students were asked what Black History Month meant to them.
“It’s a time where you learn more about African-Americans that have fought for the rights and privileges that all African-Americans have today. Because of the efforts of our ancestors, we can excel today as a race.”—Cierra Craddieth, graduate student and women’s leadership major
“It means everything to me. I feel that everyone in the world show know the struggles and hardships that we have overcome as a race. As a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., we definitely are considered to be a part of African-American history. We have many members of Phi Beta Sigma that was heavily involved in the Civil Rights Movement. One in particular is Congressman John R Lewis.”—Brandon Woods, senior and biology major
“To me, it signifies what African-Americans have accomplished – from inventors to writers, civil rights leaders and much more. Everyone who has been a part of black history are definitely role models to our race and heritage.” – Aaron McMillian, junior and physical therapy major
“I believe that Black History Month is important, especially for African-Americans to look up to remarkable people that have paved the way for the race today. It is also important to learn more about the history and historical figures other than the ones we already know. ” – Olivia Jones, junior and nursing major
“I think it is an important month to recognize the achievements and to highlight the contributions that African-Americans have had on society.” – Taylor Rivera, freshman and nursing major
“I have been here at the MUW for probably over 10 to 15 years and we always celebrate Black History Month here on campus. And I think it’s a great thing, I love all the programs we have here.” – Karen McAdoo, administrative assistant for the College of Arts & Sciences
“I think that Black History Month is good, because it gives people more education you know not everybody is necessarily familiar with everything, and I think it’s good to have that culture out there to understand more about it.” – Hannah Sabo, senior and marketing major
Let us know what Black History Month means to you in the comments or by using #SpectatorSoundOff on Facebook and Twitter!