Black History Month has been around for 96 years. It was founded in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson. Yet most people know it for starting in 1976 when President Gerald Ford officially recognized the month of February to honor the accomplishments of black Americans in history.

Here at Averett every year we celebrate Black History Month by hosting a few events. The first event the University is hosting is a showing of the movie “Harriet”. Averett’s Student Engagement Team (S.E.T.) is showing the movie on February 11, 2020 at 8:30 p.m. in Blount Chapel.

“We also plan on having a question and answer trivia night for Black History later in the month, the date is not set just yet though,” Jill Adams, assistant dean of students/Title IX coordinator, said. 

Some Averett students find the observance of Black History Month inspiring.

“Black History Month has always been a positive influence in my life.”  Keshawn Lewis, a sophomore majoring in computer science, said. “I feel like African Americans get credit and respect for positive things they have done in the past.” 

Students are looking forward to the celebrations this month and had suggestions on ways to spread the word about events.

 “Having QR Codes hung up around campus could tie in with the trivia night. By using questions that you could get answers from by using QR codes,” senior Devin Merritt suggested.

Merritt also mentioned using S.E.T. TV as a way to help raise awareness. “Putting slides up of important figures up on the TV as you walk into the Student Success Center would look nice.”

There are many Black History Month events on tap this month including a Feb. 27 performance by the Winston-Salem State University Singing Rams.