By Hailey MacDonald, Editor-in-Chief
February is Black History Month. Around the country, the lives and legacies of black artists, creators, activists, and idols are recognized and honored even more than usual, and this has been done for nearly a century.
The origins of Black History Month are complex. In 1915, historian Carter G. Woodson and minister Jesse E. Moorland began the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. The purpose of this organization was to research and bring to light the great things that Black Americans and other Americans of African Descent achieved in their lives. This organization was renamed and is now known as the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH).
Eleven years later, in 1926, the group declared the second week of February as Negro History Week. The week contained both the birthdays of Fredrick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, who were strong pillars to the advancement of the life of Black Americans.
Finally, in the 1960s during the Civil Rights Movement, many organizations and college campuses across the country dedicated the entire month of February to honor Black History. In 1976, President Gerald Ford recognized the month, and since then it has been nationally and internationally recognized in order to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history,” according to President Ford.
Across the country, many initiatives, events, and programs take place to honor Black History Month. In terms of Western New England University, one of the biggest events of the month of February is the first annual Black Excellence Slam, which is hosted by the student organization United and Mutually Equal (U&ME).
BreAnna Lowery is the creator of this event. The Black Excellence Slam is similar to a traditional slam event in which writers, artists, and creators can come together to showcase their original work and talk about its development and composition.
“I came up with the idea to do a Black Excellence Slam for Black History Month to celebrate the different personalities of the black community in a positive light,” says Lowery.
When people identify as or align themselves with a certain group of people, whether it’s race, gender, sexual orientation, or a different aspect of identity, it’s easy to feel like you are put into a category and have to feel or act a certain way. So, this event is to show that being black doesn’t mean you have to act a certain way or be someone you’re not.
“I wanted to show that being black does not mean you are one specific personality or stereotype but an individual thing just like everyone else and there is no such thing as not being black enough,” states Lowery.
However, due to the lingering effects of COVID-19, Lowery had to think outside of the box in order to make the event happen. Golden Bear Television (GBTV) will be working with U&ME to record the performances on Friday, February 19 and edit them for a premier showing, which will take place on Saturday February 27. The videos will be shown on the television screens in the University Commons, and U&ME will be hosting a watch party that night.
“My goal for this event is to give artists recognition for their talents as well as show the people of Western New England what black excellence is and the various forms it can come in,” says Lowery, who is aiming for this event to be a celebration of talent and give the opportunity for individuals to tell their story.
In addition, it is important to emphasize that this event is one that is all-inclusive and welcoming to those of all backgrounds. “This event is not to create a separation or dis-include others but instead to bring us together more in regards to our common talents,” emphasizes Lowery.
As a campus community and educated members of our generation, it is important to be aware of the experiences of others, even if they don’t directly apply to you. “You do not have to be black to celebrate black history, or black excellence. If it were your birthday, would you be happy if your family did not celebrate because it was not their birthdays too?” she says.
As a campus community, not only would it support U&ME by tuning into the Black Excellence Slam, but being conscious and aware of the experiences and lives of others is one step closer to being a better friend, classmate, and ally. Keep an eye out for the Slam on the University Commons’ screens on the night of February 27!
