Why Black History Should Be Celebrated often at a HBCU
posted by Glyniss Wiggins | February 24, 2017 | In OpinionFebruary, a month that has many pleasures. From the anticipation of weather change on Groundhog’s Day to confessing your love and affection for that special someone on Valentine’s Day, there is a lot to be expected from the shortest month of the year.
Most importantly, this month is also the domain of black historians and Black History Month.
From grade school to high school, you are taught the many historic civil rights figures and leaders that helped pave the way for the equality of this nation.
However, shouldn’t black history be a fundamental necessity, celebrated often at a historically black college and university such as this one?
Fayetteville State University is one of about twelve historically black colleges and universities located in North Carolina. Although Fayetteville State has never been shy of its pride in its cultural heritage, certain core history, such as black history, should be celebrated more often than not.
But why is it that it seems that the black history that Fayetteville State University is so indisputably proud to have never seems to surface until it is February, when the rest of the nation is celebrating Black History Month? Why does it seem that we only show that pride only in the confides of February only?
Now, I am not at all saying that there is never a moment outside of February where Fayetteville State has acknowledged those such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, or Angela Davis. However, compared to the many events that have been put on during this month, why don’t we put the same determination to acknowledge the brave men and women that helped pave the way and diversify our nation, and made it possible for us to have the dreams and ambitions that we do have, as often as we can?
Attending Fayetteville State University, it is very obvious that black pride and culture is a major aspect, character actually, that helps individualize this school from many other universities in the state. The history, however, seems to lack or go unnoticed and possibly unappreciated until February rolls around, and it seems like the only real time these fundamental heroes get acknowledged and recognized from our university. Being a historically black college and university you would think the mention of black leaders would be something that would often be buzzing and recognized every so often, and certain things being celebrated throughout the school year. It is also very rare that the founders of our very own university get their names mentioned.
Black history is not only important to black individuals or to this university, but it is still a very large aspect of basic history alone, and something that should be recognized frequently. Black history is often ignored and disrespected enough in our own society, that should not be the same case for our university.
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