The month of February is a time to celebrate Black excellence and honor the sacrifice and battles of historic Black figures like Martin Luther King Jr, Rosa Parks and more.
“As a Black student leader, Black History Month makes me feel empowered as I am reminded of the empowering leaders who came before me and molded me into the leader I am today,” said NPHC President Madison McElrath, a junior psychology major from Millbrook, Alabama. “It is important to remember the people honored during this month, who were trailblazers that brought impactful changes to the Black community.
“Their efforts were not in vain, so it is important for people to recognize the significance of Black History Month.”
The origins of the month-long celebration date back to 1926, when the Association for the Study of African American Life and History dedicated the second week of February to recognizing African American history. Ever since 1976, the celebration has grown to include the entire month of February. It is a significant time to celebrate Black culture and recognize the legacy of African American pioneers throughout history.
“Black History Month is a time for learning, reflecting and celebrating the history of the Black community,” said Jayden McQueen, a junior political science major from Crestview, Florida. “Black history is American history, and there is so much inspiration that can be gained from taking the time to learn about it.
“Whether that is lessons in doing what's right from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, the importance of getting into ‘good trouble’ from John Robert Lewis or the beauty of resilience captured by Maya Angelou, it can provide insight for today.”
Troy University is doing its part to celebrate Black History Month, beginning with the John Robert Lewis Leadership Conference. This annual conference, held in the Trojan Center ballrooms and theatre, honors the legacy of the “Boy from Troy” and provides a platform for several impactful Black leaders in the community. Some campus organizations are also scheduling events to honor Black history.
“This year, the NPHC will be hosting our annual Black History Month step show with the theme ‘Stepping Through Black Cinema,’” McElrath said. “It will highlight movies and TV shows that are significant to the Black community.
“Each participating organization has created a show centered around this theme, so it'll definitely be an exciting show.”
The step show will take place on Friday, Feb. 28 in Claudia Crosby Theatre. Ticket sales begin Feb. 10. Students can visit the NPHC’s Instagram page for more information.
Other events include a Black History Month panel/forum. TRIO is partnering with Miss ELITE, Humbled Hearts Troy and Circle K International for this event to spark inspiring and thought-provoking conversation.
Black leaders will speak on adversity, the significance of Black history and share their experiences. The panel will be held Wednesday, Feb. 19 in Patterson Hall.
Troy’s University Activities Council held a trivia event on Wednesday, Feb. 5, where they dedicated a round to Black history. Events like these are significant in educating others about Black history and continuing to honor all it stands for. But they aren’t the only way students can celebrate Black History Month.
“They can support Black businesses within the Troy community, go to Troy University's Rosa Parks Museum in Montgomery and spend time educating themselves on the contributions of leaders within the Black community,” McElrath said. “It is a very important month, and I believe that all students could benefit from taking these actions.”
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