UCO celebrates Black History Month

Sam Kozlowski

Contributing

Writer

Black History Month is a time to highlight prominent African American history and people in the United States. However, students at the University of Central Oklahoma believe that black history is more than just one month and should be recognized perpetually through the year.

“If people are uneducated about our history, the generations after us are doomed. We can grow by having these uncomfortable conversations. Spreading accurate information in the educational curriculum will open the eyes of our youth and elders,” said Jaya Barnes, officer of the Black Student Association at UCO.

The Black Student Association (BSA) at UCO serves as a voice and a safe space for the Black community and minorities in Edmond. It hosts events throughout the year for students of African descent and people interested in helping strengthen cultural bonds.

“Despite facing racism and present-day oppression, we are not our history. We are leaders, educators, activists, and so much more,” said Barnes. “We tend to shove black history in one month when black history is 365 days a year.”

Students this year can partake in Black History Month by educating each other and going to events on campus this month.

Events during Black History

Month include NAACP Founders Events through Valentine’s week, Feb. 14-17. On Feb. 15, UCO hosts the Enterprise MLK Oratory Finals, a speech competition in which students base a speech on a chosen Martin Luther King Jr. quote.

From 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 22, Nigh University Center Ballrooms will host Black Girl Magic, a celebration empowering Black women featuring discussions and workshops. And from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 28, UCO and the Black Student