Two hundred years ago, some students, such as senior Erica Tucker, may have been breaking their backs working in cotton fields. Seventy years ago, they may have been in school, but in separate classrooms, segregated from their white neighbors. Forty years ago, they may have joined the civil rights marches, demanding equal rights for all American citizens.
Today, they walk through the hallways of universities around the nation, actively taking part in academic and social spheres of institutions and communities, a sign of how much has changed for black people in America.
February is Black History Month. It is a time to celebrate these changes and to recognize black people — from the well-known likes of Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. DuBois and Rosa Parks to the simple men and women whose names never graced the history books — and their contributions to American society.
Tucker, a psychology major and co-director of the University’s Black Student Union, said it is imperative to acknowledge what black people have done for America, not just in February, but every day.
“We are everywhere,” Tucker said. “Teachers, doctors, civil rights activists — we can do anything other people do.”
Black Women of Achievement co-Director Mary Kuto has similar sentiments.
“I think it’s important, because being on a campus where we’re minorities, we want to show there are positive African Americans.” Kuto said. She added that it is vital to appreciate history and the advancements that have been made.
Tucker said BSU tries to create awareness about black culture through its programs and outreach activities. To celebrate the month, the group will post the names of black leaders and innovators, whose contributions may or may not be well-known, in its office in the EMU.
The club also will host a black heritage ball and a black achievement night to honor
students, faculty and community members who have had a positive impact on the community. BWA will also host a black heritage fashion show. Dates and locations will be announced.
Other campus events include a talk by highly acclaimed poet, writer and civil rights activist Maya Angelou, sponsored by the UO Cultural Forum. Angelou is scheduled to speak Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m. at McArthur Court.
Event Coordinator Windy Borman said the response to Angelou’s arrival has been overwhelming, with more than a thousand tickets sold already.
“I’ve always enjoyed what she writes and speaks about,” Borman said. “It’s a great opportunity for the campus.”
Students point to different leaders who have been positive role models in their own lives.
Senior Ndidi Unaka, also a member of the BSU, says she really admires the work of civil rights leaders and pioneers, such as Martin Luther King Jr., whose fight for civil liberties afforded black people the rights they have today.
“He exemplifies what it is to be a true Christian leader,” Unaka said. Unaka says blacks like King paved the way for the younger generation. However, she notes there are many issues that black people must still deal with today like access to education and the large population of black men in prison in relation to other ethnicities.
Aside from the historical greats, Kuto also commends today’s black leaders like Angelou and Oprah Winfrey.
“Oprah has definitely done a good job of representing African Americans,” Kuto said. “Against all odds, she’s successful, she’s one of the richest women in the world and she happens to be black.”
Even after February rolls away, these black students hope their culture and people’s contributions will not be cast aside until next year.
“For me, it’s not just a February thing,” Unaka said. “It’s something I take pride in every day.”