VSU Recognizes Black History Month With Series Of February Events

VALDOSTA — Valdosta State University honors the historical and cultural contributions of African Americans and recognizes over 400 years of perseverance in the pursuit of equality for African Americans during Black History Month.

“Black History Month will allow the VSU community to celebrate the achievements and sacrifices of African Americans, highlight the contributions they have made to shaping our nation, and recognize the ongoing pursuit of social justice that continues today. It’s an annual opportunity to do so,” said Dr. Richard A. Carvajal, VSU President. “It’s also a time to reflect on the contribution that African Americans have made to shaping our university.

“This fall VSU marks the 60th anniversary of union.In September 1963, Valdosta State University welcomed its first two African-American students to its campus. Through courage and resilience, we have paved the way for today’s more diverse, equitable and inclusive campus communities.Focusing on advancing this growth, VSU is committed to diversity education, strengthening equity , we remain committed to embracing inclusivity.”

VSU has lots of activities planned for Black History Month, including games, movies, and trivia nights. guided stories; open conversations about issues affecting the African American community; art presentation; 30-minute play production; A night of praise and worship. Career related workshops. Blazer Pitch Contest for Entrepreneurs. Black-owned business showcase. more.

Black History Month activities are provided free of charge by VSU’s Africana Studies Program and Office of Diversity and Inclusion, with the support of students, faculty, and staff from various offices and organizations on campus. A full schedule can be found at https://www.valdosta.edu/diversity/black-history-month.php.

The story of Black History Month began in 1915 when historians Carter G. Woodson and Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History . The organization sponsored the first National Black History Week in 1926, choosing the second week of February to coincide with Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas’s birthday.

Black History Week was expanded to Black History Month in 1976 to mark the bicentennial anniversary of the founding of the United States. President Gerald R. Ford urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the accomplishments that black Americans have too often neglected in all areas of our history.”

Today, the Association for the Study of Black Lives and History is known as the Association for the Study of African American Lives and History. Its mission is to disseminate, research, preserve, interpret, and disseminate information about Black life, history, and culture to the international community.

In September 2022, US News and World Report recognized VSU’s efforts to expand opportunities and provide a learning environment to welcome students of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, recognizing VSU as a place of ethnic diversity. We have included it in our list of Best Colleges for. Embracing diversity benefits all students by fostering innovation and fostering collaboration.

On the web:
https://www.valdosta.edu/diversity/black-history-month.php
https://www.valdosta.edu/student/diversity/
https://www.valdosta.edu/afa/