Black History Month as a Kent State first
Black History Month, a time for shining a bright light on activism, courage, and innovation of African-American people in history. Its also a time for Kent State student organization, Black United Students to bask in their moment of making history. Black History Month originated at Kent State University by BUS.
In February 1969, the leaders of the Black United Students at Kent State University first proposed expanding Black History Week into Black History Month. The first celebration of Black History Month took place at Kent State University one year later, from January 2, 1970 – February 28, 1970. Celebrations took place at The Kuumba House, a historical landmark for BUS.
1970 was also a great year for BUS. In the late 1960s, BUS and supportive students of color staged a walkout and demanded Kent State offer curriculum reflective of their and protested the disrespect they have been exposed to. This activism by these students inspired the university to start the Institute for African American Affairs (IAAA) in 1969, the Center of Pan-African Culture (CPAC) in 1970, and in 1976 the Department of Pan-African Studies (PAS) commonly known as, “the house that BUS built.”
On February 10, 1976, President Gerald Ford brought Black History Month into existence with the following statement, “In the Bicentennial year of our Independence, we can review with admiration the impressive contributions of black Americans to our national life and culture. Ford challenged all Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
Since its founding, Black History Month, occurring every February, has become a time to honor and shed light on African-Americans that have paved the way.
Dr. Milton Wilson and two student leaders came up with the idea of expanding the week to a month. The two leaders were the current Co-Chairs of BUS, prior to the group electing a single president. They were Carl Gregory and Dwayne White.
This year’s Black History Month is a special one for BUS, as they are also celebrating their 50th year anniversary. “ In a matter of 50 years, we have grown so much in ways I can’t describe. It still wows me that we will forever be imprinted in history as trailblazers of Black History Month,” said junior Charlotte Brown. Brown serves on the Programming Committee for BUS.
To celebrate 50 years, BUS has created events dedicated to showcasing black creatives, highlight academic accomplishments.
“I’m so excited for this year’s celebration. On top of it being Black History Month its also our 50th year. We really want to focus on the family aspect. Yeah, we’ve accomplished things and we’ve been great but there’s a family within BUS that runs deeper than just accomplishment. It’s about being your brother/sisters keeper,” said Lynette Grair, BUS Treasure.
This month is important with the climate surrounding black people. “We are constantly terrorized and judged in the media and being killed day by the day. During this month we can just be happy and not worry about all the extra nonsense in the media,” said Butler.
As we go throughout this month, we think about the bravery of our fellow Golden Flashes. They were pioneers and exemplified what it meant to be a leader. They solidified ground roots that have made Kent State a center for African-American history
Print: Erica Carter
Broadcast: Caty Payette
