By Olivia Jessup | Echo
February marks Black History Month, which focuses on diversity and the important roles blacks have played in American history.
This month, the Black Student Union (BSU) will host a variety of events to raise awareness and knowledge about black history, connecting history, faith and fun.
"We want people to worship with us and celebrate with us, and have fun with us . . . not look first at our background or our color, but at who we are as people of Christ," said sophomore Shannon Wilson, BSU's public relations manager. "For myself, I have to say before I'm black, before I'm anything else, I'm a woman in Christ. Before all of that, that is my initial title. That is the stereotype I should have."
At the forefront of events, however, is a celebration of black history.
"In my mind, I see black history as being the same as any other history. It's just that it's recognized during a particular month during the year, but it can be a celebration for every day," said BSU president senior Melissa Bethel.
This year, Bethel said, the BSU is educating and entertaining through displays at the DC as well as events, including a concert on Feb. 22. One of the major concerns BSU has, however, is low attendance for these events.
"I feel like whenever we say there's an event by the BSU it's segregated to being just an event for the black people on campus. That's not the case," Bethel said. "Because we want to showcase who we are on campus, it would be good for people to understand that this is an event for everyone. It's educational, informational-it's something that we want to share with you."
Director of the Office of Intercultural Programs Cecilia Macias agreed with Bethel.
"You don't have to be black to be a part of BSU or Latino to be a part of (Latino Student Union), and you can and are actually more than welcome to attend these events," Macias said. She noted that the students involved in these organizations get excited when others from outside the groups join in.
"That would be a great way to integrate and step into someone else's culture," Macias said.
Integration is a major part of this month's events, and BSU has been looking at opportunities Taylor already provides for ways to improve integration across campus.
However, Bethel believes more could be done. She suggests that praise and worship from other cultures at chapel be added, with more support for such events as Mosaic Night and having a chapel dedicated to Black History Month.
Bethel also notes that "sweeping things under the rug" and not discussing issues hinders Christian growth.
"We should be comfortable with discussing issues openly, without offense, in a mature setting, in which we discuss the issue and create a solution," Bethel said.
Cathy Weatherspoon, director of Leadership Programs, noted that there is a connection between positive racial interaction and integration and the body of Christ.
"There should be continual work in creating a climate that is welcoming for all its constituents," Weatherspoon said. "It is important that every community member takes on this responsibility by being more of a contributor and less of a critic."
The connection between celebration of culture and faith is clear to the members of the BSU.
"That's reflective of who God is, and when we choose to deny that aspect, we deny who he is," Wilson said. She noted that God created all cultures and are all a reflection of him.
The concert is on Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. in the Recital Hall and will highlight the music and worship of black history and culture. BSU will also host an Era Party on March 1 to dance and celebrate with music, dress and food from the '70s, '80s and '90s.
