Laker Life

University plans performances, events to commemorate Black History Month

By Susie Skowronek GVL Staff Writer
1/31/2010

Carter G. Woodson, founder of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History and publisher of The Journal of Negro History, designated a week in February as Negro History and Literature Week in 1926, which ultimately grew to become Black History Month.

Woodson wrote he hoped Negro History Week would create and popularize black history, and he chose February to encompass the birthdays of two prominent figures in black American history: Abraham Lincoln on Feb. 12 and Frederick Douglass on Feb. 14. He wanted the week to shine spotlight not only on famous historical figures, but on all black men and women - such as members of the Union Army - who advanced American civilization.

Following Woodson's example, Grand Valley State University honors the tradition of Black History Month, highlighting black culture, education, religion and music through lectures, panel discussions and performances.

Bobby Springer, associate director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs, said the university celebrates Black History Month to recognize the accomplishments of black history and culture and to educate the community.

"It's history that belongs to all of us, not just to blacks," Springer said. "It's an opportunity to talk about things people need to be educated on."

He said the Office of Multicultural Affairs selects meaningful activities on various topics - health, the black church, culture and entertainment - that impact the campus community.

In past years, events have filled to capacity with standing room only, Springer said. Step Africa drew a crowd, teaching a combination of step-dance and African dance. Students also enjoyed a play highlighting the cooperation between Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.

On a campus without limited diversity, Black History Month becomes especially helpful as a window for teaching.

"Some individuals who come to GVSU haven't had a lot of contact with African Americans," Springer added. "Not everyone knows about significant things that have happened."

Indeed, not everyone knows the reason for celebrating Black History Month in February.

"The important results of the celebration may be summarized as ... increasing conviction among the whites that racial bias undermines all truth and growing the spirit of cooperation to the end of further extending the researches into Negro History that it may be popularized throughout the world," Woodson wrote in an article, "The Celebration of Negro History Week, 1927."

Because of his prevailing impact on the current February celebration, Woodson is also known as "the Father of Black History."

After Woodson's death in 1950, progressives of the '60s shifted focus to black rather than Negro history and lengthened the celebration to month rather than a week.

GVSU has adopted the February celebration with the Woodson's mission: to grow the spirit of cooperation among all people.

sskowronek@lanthorn.com

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