Celebrate Black History Month with on-campus activities

COURTESY OF ALYSSA J. GRANT
The audience watches the Black Excellence Showcase in the Flight Deck Backyard.

Alyssa J. Grant, senior psychology major and president of the Black Student Union, said Black History Month highlights the significance of Black people and what they have contributed to America.

“It is significant for people who are not sure of the impact that Black Americans have had on America,” Grant said. “The Black Student Union usually highlights the arts portions of Black History Month.”

Throughout the month of February, several different clubs and organizations will host events to celebrate Black History Month. For the Black Student Union, it will have the fourth annual Black Excellence Showcase on Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. in the Flight Deck Backyard. The event will have song, dance and art showcases with free food and a photo booth.

With about 300 people typically attending the event, this year’s theme is called “Rhythm and Soul” and will highlight the ‘70s. NSU Pressure Dancers and Stomp n’ Shake will participate, as well as dance teams from Florida Atlantic University and Florida International University.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing AVA perform, they’re a local dance team at Nova High School right across the street,” Grant said. “I just like seeing the young girls on the stage performing in between the older girls and the older dance teams. It’s like they get to look up to the older dance teams, as well as we get to see the younger girls show their Black excellence.”

The Black Student Union will also have a study session for midterms on Feb. 17, a line dance class with Stomp n’ Shake on Feb. 19, trivia night in the Commons on Feb. 21 and more.

Outside of the Black Student Union, Positively Africa, an Afro-fusion band, will perform on Feb. 22 at 10:30 a.m. in the Alvin Sherman Library, Research, and Information Technology Center. “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” will be screened on Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. in the Adolfo and Marisela Cotilla Gallery. Also, an exhibit showcasing Black athletes is on display in the Cotilla Gallery starting Feb.1.

Eileen Petzold-Bradley, engagement and outreach specialist in the Office of Human Resources, is looking forward to “Black History Month Documentary: Celebrating the Legacy of the Negro League” on Feb. 20 at 5:30 p.m. in the Alvin Sherman Library.

“I think it’s interesting because it’s rare historical footage that’s being put into a documentary in a very clever way, using film to do it,” Petzold-Bradley said.

Grant, who joined the Black Student Union as a freshman, said everyone is welcome to join the organization, regardless of their background.

“Although it says the Black Student Union, we are open to everyone: every race, religion, culture, background. It’s a great way for you to learn more about Black culture while also feeling included,” Grant said.