by Sam Scott | News Writer

As Black History Month continues, organizations at A-State try to help students understand the significance of this annual observance.

Throughout the month, student organizations, such as the Black Student Association and the A-State chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, along with the Multicultural Center have events celebrating the importance of Black history. Some of the events that occurred earlier included the Black History Month Kick-Off poster contest, a virtual poetry showcase on the KLEK-FM radio station, and lectures from Dr. Cherisse Jones-Branch and attorney KenDrell Collins. 

When it comes to the actual significance of Black History Month, it is often regarding the progress Black people have undergone throughout the country’s past.

“It highlights and promotes awareness of Black achievements and excellence throughout history brought about through our struggles and plights,” Quinton Sanders said, president of the A-State NAACP chapter.

Along with chapter Vice President Izzeldin Ahmed and political action committee member Jamal Romes, Sanders explains what the NAACP does on campus.

“We secure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all students,” Sanders said. “We ensure the knowledge of things in the world and our community to surrounding persons of color.”

This year’s Black History Month does follow after months of racial and political unrest in the United States, ranging from high-profile cases of police brutality to the 2020 Presidential Election and the aftermath following it. 

It also showcases the current fight the Black Lives Matter movement is still involved in to address and fix the underlying issues regarding many minority-based communities throughout the country.

“The Black Lives Matter movement decided to call out all of society making them aware of the social and judicial injustices brought about through generational curses instilled in humans,” Sanders said. “It is a call to rise up against racism in the slightest form to be obsolete and it won’t be tolerated.”

Of course, Black History Month is not the only time to celebrate, as the NAACP chapter is working on planning to have a campus wide cookout later on in the semester, a movie night followed with a discussion, and an event called #blackatastate, where it brings up the plight of Black students at A-State. Black History Month is also not the only time to learn about Black history as well.

“Research it and instill it in your mind. It is a very influential and prevalent piece of history of human achievement thus far,” Sanders said.

Because of COVID-19, many of the events set up for Black History Month have been virtual. Many of the lectures, along with the poetry showcase and showcases held at KLEK-FM, were done through Zoom. This does provide a way forward of celebrating during the pandemic.

“Some of the usual things we do such as Evolve and the Living Legends speeches have evolved to work virtually to be able to provide information regarding Black history through the entirety of the month,” Sanders said. “Community members are using their platforms to educate the public on local and national issues and celebrating our achievements and goals thus far.”

Sanders also mentioned how A-State can do more for not just Black students, but students of all kinds. 

“Hire more diverse professors, faculty and staff to give a better reflection of the student body. Students of all kinds should experience peers and faculty that they can relate to,” Sanders said.

Right now, A-State does offer programs and organizations many Black students can participate in, up to and including the Black Student Association, Student Diversity and Recruitment, the National Pan-Hellenistic Conference fraternities and sororities, Brother2Brother and Sister2Sister, the Student Government Association and the Student Activities Board. 

When asked why students should learn more about Black history, Sanders said, “Black history is at the core and foundation of many things that we hold near and dear to us. Black history has been an influential part of our being here today. Black history provides inspiration for people on how to prevail in the face of adversity as well as flourish and innovate.”

Sanders leaves one piece of important advice to students who want to learn more about Black history.

“Attend the virtual information sessions regarding Black history. Experience and stock up on your Black history to be more of an ally to your minority community. Also remember and celebrate the treasure and joys of the foundation on why you’re able to be here today. A Black American,” Sanders said.

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