The first of many programs celebrating Black History Month took place on Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the MSC auditorium. The program themed “A Celebration of Black Heritage, History and Commitment,” was opened by communications major Phillip Wade and sponsored by the Black History Month Committee and the Office of Special Programs.First recognizing black history in 1926, initially as “Negro History Week” then later as Black History Month, the students, and faculty at Prairie View A&M University began the program with a drum call and flag display representing the diverse cultures that make up the student population. Jamaica, Brazil, and Liberia were just some of the flags displayed, each represented by a person from that country.
The invocation was given by Courtney Smith, followed by the welcome by Endira Hawkins. An a cappella musical selection was performed by music majors Michael Dixon and Keisha Whittaker, preceded by the introduction of the speaker by governmental relations officer Frank Jackson.
Dr. George C. Wright, 7th president of Prairie View A&M University, a noted scholar and historian with expertise in African American history, spoke to students about the University’s history and the importance of celebrating ours. Other topics Wright covered included his advocacy for diversity, and the remembrance of those before us who helped in the advancement of freedom and civil rights for minorities. “While desiring to be recognized as people of color, blacks have desired to be also accepted as Americans,” Wright said during the speech. There was a moment of silence for the death of Coretta Scott King, who passed away recently at the age of 78.
The program ended with a chorus from the student body and faculty in attendance, singing the Negro National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Many students felt that the program gave a very uplifting message as the celebration of Black History Month began. ” I really enjoyed it, it’s nice to see students come out to celebrate something so essential that we seem to be forgetting about at other times,” said Gabrielle Howard, a junior psychology major. The next event to be held will be a guest lecture featuring Dr. James Conyers on the topic, “What Would Malcolm X Say: The 21st Century Plight of African Americans.