Throughout February, Averett University has been celebrating Black History Month to commemorate African Americans who paved the way for African Americans in today’s society. Averett has hosted numerous different events as a way for all students, faculty, and staff to come out and enjoy the festivities. Students here at Averett have been coming up with creative ideas of how they can celebrate Black History Month as well. Not only were these events fun but they also showcased some of the importance of knowing black history and showing appreciation to those who made sacrifices for advocating for African Americans.
Tia Yancey, director of volunteerism at The Center For Community Engagement & Career Competitiveness has been working with different organizations and community partners to come out and host different events here at Averett.
“So far we have been intentionally programming with our student club and organizations along with community members to provide black culture such as bringing food, talking about health disparities issues, and other events as well,” Yancey said.
Black History Month is also the time to learn more about African American culture and some of the different traditions.
“I think it’s important to provide education for those who have not experienced our culture surrounding our music, food, dancing and so much more,” Yancey said.
Different clubs and organizations at Averett have been promoting many different events and activities as a way to celebrate Black History Month in their unique way.
“Our Black Student Union, Student Government Association, Bonner Leaders, Student Life Organization, and some of the African American minor course faculty members have spread beyond the immediate campus and it has spread throughout campus and our community.”
Jonel Fitz, a junior at Averett, who is an active member in the Bonner Leader program attended many Black History Month events and felt very appreciative that people from different backgrounds came out to these events.
“I think that it is important to host these kinds of events because it shows appreciation for the black students on campus and it spreads knowledge about African Americans from history and today,” Fitz said.
Averett University make sure that everyone on campus are well informed about the different events that are going on during the entire month of February by promoting events through various ways.
“Averett encourages students to come out by having prizes for the students and also by spreading the word on social media,” Fitz said. “They also put all of the events on Cougar Connection so that the students have the information.”
During this time of the month, this is an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff from different ethics backgrounds to come together and appreciate those people who had to fight tirelessly to get where we are today.
“The overall outcome for coming to Black History Month events is to leave with more knowledge of where black people have come from and where they are headed,” Fitz said. “Also I think just by having fun and getting together with everyone from different races. It proves that we are coming together and not letting the color of our skin stop us from accomplishment.”
