The Southern University Department of History has put together a number of events to enrich the minds and spirits of everyone at SU during Black History Month.
‘’This year, we have excellent speakers coming to the university,” said Raymond Lockett, Department of History chairperson. Selected speakers include Abdul Akbar Muhammad, Jessica Care Moore, John Bracey and Attorney Thomas Todd.
The department will also sponsor a bus trip to the New Orleans Museum of Art exhibit, “Egyptian Antiquities,” on Saturday, February 14, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The cost is $18.00 per person (contact Dr. Hernandez (225) 771-3560 for more information).
The Music department will present, ‘An Evening in African-American Music’, and ‘Souls Reflection III’ in honor of Blacks and their unique history spanning the generations.
“We are looking for a great turn-out from the student body to participate,” Lockett said.
Black Heritage Month has not always been a month-long event celebrated by mainstream American society.
Black Heritage Month was started as “Negro History Week” by Carter G. Woodson, the director and founder of an organization called The Association of Negro Life and History.
Woodson started “Negro History Week” in February 1926 in the local Washington D. C. and Baltimore School systems in order to bring national attention to the contributions of Black people throughout American history.
The major purpose of this February celebration is to examine the rich history and cultures developed by people of African decent and to defend Black humanity while fighting racism.
Woodson encouraged teachers to exhibit artifacts, pictures, books and supplement curriculum that detailed Black contributions to American and global societies.
About 30 years ago, Lockett and the Southern University Department of History chairperson, helped SU receive its starting point of carrying on the traditional history of African American cultures.
