Penn State Students Celebrate Black History Month

Story posted February 15, 2020 in CommRadio, News by Sam Marks

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Feb. 1 marks the beginning of a special time for people all over the world. Every February, Penn State and its students honor Black History Month.

Throughout the month, the university and several student organizations host events and ceremonies to celebrate black history and spread awareness.

Students use these events as opportunities to embrace or develop a better understanding of a culture that they might be unfamiliar with.

Penn State sophomore Tiffany Godley emphasized the importance of having a Black History Month.

“I think it’s really important because, for generations, black people have been a marginalized community,” Godley said. “In recognizing February as Black History Month, they are also recognizing the importance of black people and of their contribution to society.”

Penn State junior Sean Fowler describes Black History Month as an effective educational tool.

“Anywhere in the U.S., we’re still a majority white population, and you often still hear people say racist slurs and remarks,” Fowler said. “I think that continuing to raise awareness and teaching that history…that’s the best way to eradicate those issues.”

Originally just a single week, the thought of Black History Month was conceived and made official in 1976 during the country’s bicentennial. Since then, it has become a significant part of the United States’ culture and has been widely embraced by citizens across the nation.

Students curious to learn more about Penn State and its involvement with Black History Month can visit www.blackhistory.psu.edu.

 

Sam Marks is a senior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email sdm5544@psu.edu.