February is Black History Month, and the Black Student Association has organized events to celebrate.
The events planned include an African dance and music workshop, a movie night, a hip-hop dance workshop, a game night featuring Black Jeopardy, and a talk about mental health in the black community.
Kanika Brown, BSA adviser and assistant director of career services, said her favorite event is the Black History Celebration planned for 7 p.m. Friday in Burg Theatre in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center.
“The celebration is the kickoff, and it allows students to express themselves through different talents such as singing, dancing, poetry, and more,” Brown said. “It will give students an opportunity to learn about different aspects of black culture.”
The events are open for all students to attend, Brown said.
“Black History Month is not only for black people, it is for all people,” Brown said. “It is important for every student to learn about the contributions that black people have given to this country.”
Mikel Kendrick, nursing freshman, said he is most looking forward to the OCU Talks event addressing mental health in the black community at 1 p.m. Feb. 19 in the Great Hall in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center.
“In our world, mental health in the black community is something that is pushed under the rug and never really talked about,” Kendrick said. “This event will give me a chance to listen and talk with my people about this issue.”
Kendrick encouraged all students to attend the events and celebrate black history.
“Students need to get involved to see the beauty of black culture because some people who aren’t black hardly ever get to see or experience that,” Kendrick said. “They only see what’s in the news or read about us in the newspaper and base their prejudices about us from there.”
Leondre Lattimore, studio art junior and BSA president, said Black History Month gives a great opportunity to share African-American culture with the rest of the world.
“Our purpose at BSA is not only to provide a safe haven for students to feel welcomed, but to also share our culture and history with others as well,” Lattimore said. “I believe it is important for us to experience and learn about different cultures because these experiences help us bridge the gap of racial division that has taken over our country.”
Students that would like to participate in the Black History Celebration as a singer, dancer, poet, musician, or other performer may sign up by emailing Kanika Brown at kbrown2@okcu.edu.
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