by Sara Lupu
Staff Writer
Throughout the month of February and into March, the University of La Verne’s diverse campus is celebrating Black History Month.
Activities will be taking place to honor the accomplishments and inspirations that African Americans have been responsible for throughout history.
“Black History Month is an important time to reflect and celebrate some of the culture in our society that is not always put in the forefront,” said Eric Bishop, director of academic advising and enrollment management. “The one-month celebration keeps people with identity in their consciousness – if we can get to the point where this consciousness is with us throughout the year, we will be in a far different place.”
The events include art exhibits, plays and other festivities
The Third Annual Cultural Art Show took place Feb. 12 in the Arts and Communications building. This display of art representing different cultures and ideas featured cultural artwork from students such as Alycia Anthony, Glenda Andrews and LaVenna Ware.
A “Salute to Black Men” took place on Sunday, Feb. 15, sponsored by the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. “They presented awards and performed tributes, all of which empowered black men and their strength and accomplishments,” said senior Jason Walker.
The event honored ULV’s own Brandon Jones with a community service award, and Professor Roy Goines was also recognized.
These exciting cultural events continue with a Mardi Gras and Culture Fest on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 11 a.m. in the Quad. This festival will feature New Orleans-style cuisine with performances such as the Black National Anthem. Students from different African descents will be putting together booths that represent their individual cultures.
“This celebration is aimed at uniting the campus and creating an intimate atmosphere where the African American culture is represented,” said President of the African American Student Alliance Linda Moss.
Thursday, Feb. 26, “Generation to Generation Scavenger Hunt,” will begin at 10 p.m. at “the Rock.”
“It is a great chance to get clubs and organizations together to do something on one accord while learning about black history, and there will be prizes,” Moss said.
Next weekend, Thursday Feb. 26 thru Sunday Feb. 29, The play “Robert Johnson: Trick the Devil” will be showing in the Cabaret Theatre. ULV’s own Nasir Najieb will be starring as the legendary blues musician in this Bill Harris play, directed by Elizabeth Pietrzak.
These events are brought to students in order to celebrate the many triumphs in African American history, but also to reflect on the struggles that African Americans were placed under.
“We want to be able to reflect on where we came from and where we are going- and not just African Americans, but everyone,” Moss said.
