Last minute cancellations and schedule changes without public notice have marred the Black History celebrations at Southern University.
“Black History month is extremely educational, as well as inspiring to African American students,” said Tosha Robinson, a sophomore marketing major from Shreveport. “There is no excuse for a miscommunication of education inspired events on Southern University’s campus. “
Many students were surprised to find the doors of the Cotillion Ballroom locked on Sunday, February 16, the scheduled date and location of the Gospel Extravaganza presented by the history department.
“Throughout the campus there are more flyers passed out, and posters hung for parties, than for any informative educational events,” said Alexander Thomas, a junior music education major from Lafayette.
According to Raymond Lockett, chairperson of the history department, the Gospel Extravaganza was cancelled because the groups scheduled to perform cancelled after the Black History Month schedule was finalized.
Unfavorable weather conditions put a damper on the Black Family Reunion between LSU and Southern scheduled for Saturday, February 15.
According to co-chairperson Nikki Morrow, the event has been tentatively rescheduled for March 8 on the LSU parade grounds.
The Greek Step Show that was hosted by the Baton Rouge Pan-Hellenic Council at LSU’s Pete Maravich Assembly Center on February 15 was cancelled. The reason for the cancellation is still unknown.
“These momentary adjustments of highly anticipated events are very discouraging, especially considering the last minute publications of most of them.” said Shannon Doyle, a sophomore social work major from New Orleans.
Although some activities were cancelled or rescheduled, the Black History Month Committee recently added programs to wrap up the month.
Former president of Southern University, Delores Spikes will speak on February 25 in the Cotillion Ballroom at 9:30 a.m.
The African American History Club will present an African American Awareness program in Higgins Hall on February 16 from 1-2 p.m.