Black History Month takes place in February and is a month-long celebration of African American accomplishments, culture, and history that is widely honored among many communities, including IWU’s campus.
The month was originally inspired by Dr. Carter G. Woodson’s founding of “Negro History Week” before being officially recognized by President Gerald Ford in 1976. Today, this month holds much significance for individuals all around the globe.
Donna Duquene, a Junior in general studies, explained that Black History Month gives her a time to reflect on past hardships for African Americans, see the challenges that have been fought and recognize that there are still trials that Black individuals are pushing through.
“To me, it means a month to celebrate all the things of the Black culture,” Jamon Spikings, a junior studying music and honors humanities, said. He claimed it’s a time to celebrate what God did to help us to come through and to be where we are today.
IWU is a predominately white institution, but the campus has worked and grown to promote diversity among the community. Resources like the Intercultural and Global Office (IGO), the Gospel Choir and the Black Student Union (BSU) have provided opportunities for students to feel welcome, appreciated and seen.
While these student organizations are available, many are unaware that they even exist.
“There are things like IGO and Black History Club, so maybe just advertising it more to visiting students or during freshman welcome things would be very important,” Elizabeth Gillett, a freshman psych major, said.
Spikings said IWU does well at celebrating diversity year-round, but that he wishes students and faculty had more spaces and opportunities to speak about cultural diversity.
“I think within academic areas, professors should also talk about it, but also be informed and educated on how to talk about it,” Spikings said.
Black History Month is a time to celebrate and reflect on the history and perseverance of African Americans. It acknowledges diversity and allows everyone to celebrate who God has created them to be.
“It’s my sixth semester here, but I’m still learning to continue to be the person that God has for me to be and continue to love myself and be unapologetically black every single day,” Duquene said.
