What Does Black History Month mean to you?
Issue date: 2/22/07 Section: News
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History Month is in effect. Along with
other colleges and universities NJCU is
paying homage to African Americans
who have made contributions to their
communities and to the world.
Black History Month originated in
1926. It was not always a month of reflection and celebration, but a week.
Carter G. Woodson began Negro History
Week which eventually led to Black History
Month February was the month selected
in regard to the birthdays of Frederick
Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.
Lyle Hickman, a third year student and
President of the Black Freedom Society
had this to say about the importance of
educating the students on campus about
Black History Month.
"It is a solidified time for our [African
Americans] representation. It [Black
History] is not represented any other
time during the year and that's the time
where you can count on it being represented.
It is very important."
David Ruiz, a first year criminal justice
major gave this interpretation, "Black
History Month is a time where people
should reflect on the intelligent and
strong black leaders that have lived on
this earth. They not only molded the future
of the black community, but they also
showed how great the human spirit
can be, even in oppression."
There are many events at NJCU that
honor the history of the African American
people as well as address the state of
the Black Community today. On February
6th 2007, a panel discussion was held
in Hepburn Hall, Room 202 "What's Up
Nig-a? Language, Culture and Values."
Some of the panelist included Sheila Kirven
from the Library Dept., Karen Ivy
from the Math Dept, and Amani Jennings
from the Residence Life Dept. The insightful
event discussed the origins of
the "N" word, and why it is so loosely
used today by both blacks and non
blacks in America.
In addition to the "What's up Ni-ga?
Language, Culture, and Values" event,
there were other Black History happenings
that took place on the NJCU campus.
On Tuesday February 6, the Flag Raising
Ceremony took place at 11:45 a.m.
on the Hepburn Hall Lawn. "Forbidden
Love Stories," an event that featured
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