LHU celebrates Black History Month

Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion hosts kickoff events throughout February.

by Kassidee Wozniak News Editor

In celebration of Black History Month, the Black Student Union (BSU) and the Robert and Dolores Lynch Multicultural Center (RDLMC) are hosting a series of events honoring the achievements and struggles of African Americans throughout U.S. history.

The events kicked off on Feb. 7 as LHU students, faculty and staff gathered for the opening of the Black History Gallery in the RDLMC. Inside the gallery, there are framed photographs and information cards of African Americans who deserve recognition during Black History Month.

These individuals include Maya Anelou, Daniel Elby, Aretha Franklin, Alfred Ferron and former President Barack Obama.

The Multicultural Center is located in Raub Hall Room 103, and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

A day later on Feb. 8, The BSU and RDLMC organized a Black History celebration in the Multi-Purpose Room located in the Parsons Union Building (PUB). Attendees of the event participated in trivia and Kahoot, where they tested their knowledge of Black History before indulging in cuisine provided by Carey Chisolm Sr., owner of the Fallon Hotel.

Kenny Hall, Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, spoke about his experience being a student at Lock Haven University and the importance of putting yourself out there to create history for others to follow.

Dinner service provided staple soul food such as fried chicken, mac and cheese, sweet potatoes, and collard greens. “Soul food brings community, helps gather people together to share their stories,” said Chisom. In Chisom’s speech about the process of restoring the Fallon Hotel, he credits the support of the Lock Haven community for being an extra motivation in the hotel’s reopening.

There was also a Black History Month

Alumni panel that took place at 7 p.m. on Feb. 15 in Price Auditorium.

Listed below are two upcoming events in late February that continue the celebration of Black History Month. – Hip Hop and R&B Bingo, located in the PUB MPR at 7 p.m. on Feb. 23.

– “Why DEI Is Not Enough” presentation, located in the PUB MPR at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 28.

To get further information about the events hosted by BSU or RDLMC for Black History Month, contact Chief DEI Officer Albert Jones at ajones@ commonwealthu.edu or Student Success Specialist Mia Swales at mxs3279@ commonwealthu.edu.