January 27, 2021 – Millikin University will host a variety of events and programming created by Millikin students to celebrate Black History Month this February.
Black History Month originated in 1926 when historian Carter G. Woodson promoted what was known as “Negro History Week” in an effort to educate people about the accomplishments of African Americans. In 1976, the celebration was expanded to include the entire month of February, the birth month of Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglass. Black History Month is celebrated to remember important individuals and events in African American history.
Tonya Hines, MBA ’18, serves as the director of the Long-Vanderburg Scholars Program at Millikin and associate director of Campus Life for Engagement & Leadership. She also serves as the advisor to the Black Student Union. “I am moved about black history every day but most importantly when we celebrate at Millikin,” she said.
Hines added, “We offer our students an opportunity to learn, embrace and acknowledge those moments that have been left out of American history. In doing so, we have introduced various leaders to speak and interact with the campus community in the past. COVID-19 has certainly adjusted our programming, but we will livestream events to ensure the campus community is engaged continually. This year, next to social media engagement, black voices will be heard in broadcast through WJMU and over a timeline acknowledging black historical moments at Millikin. A faculty intersectionality discussion will take place, an art exhibit and lecture featuring a Millikin alumnus, and lastly a jazz performance.”
To embrace the new, Millikin students are given the opportunity to create programming of their own acknowledging contributions and injustices that matter so much in the lives of the black community around the globe and on Millikin’s campus. Student-led programming for Black History Month will be carried out by the Millikin Black Student Union.
“Each year throughout the United States, we set aside intentional time in February to reflect on the many contributions of the African American community to our nation’s history. This time gives us an opportunity to celebrate individuals and groups who have overcome significant barriers because of racial inequities to make seminal contributions to the American story,” said Millikin President Dr. Jim Reynolds. “This year, the schedule of events on Millikin’s campus is inspiring in its breadth of topics and the thoughtful interconnections between contemporary society and our historic past.”
For more information about Millikin University’s Black History Month celebration, please visit their website.
