Black History Month events come to UNC

This year, students looking to participate in Black History Month have a single place to look.

UNC will host more than 30 events this February to celebrate black heritage and culture. Planning began in October.

In an effort to encourage students to attend the events, the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs compiled a calendar of all the activities hosted on its website.

“It will help promote the programs that have been happening for years,” said Terri Houston, senior director for recruitment and multicultural programs in the office.

Events include a Zumbathon, an Alvin Ailey dance performance at Memorial Hall, and a jazz festival. The office printed out $600 worth of calendars and distributed them to student groups, Houston said.

“It’s a relatively small amount to make sure everyone is informed,” she said.

Heather Williams, chairwoman of the history department’s African American history month lecture committee, said many organizations on campus are participating.

“Not only does it let people know what events are happening, but it’s also a statement about the University’s commitment to honoring Black History Month,” she said.

The keynote speaker this year will be Bernice Johnson Reagon, one of the founders of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee.

“She brings a rich background of having been an activist and a leader in the civil rights movement,” Williams said.

Eric Campbell, president of the Black Student Movement, said in previous years he didn’t know what events were being offered around campus.

“The campus didn’t come together,” he said, adding that the publicity is different this year due to the calendar.

“Black History Month isn’t just for African-Americans to celebrate. It’s for the whole campus to celebrate,” he said.

Ilyasah Shabazz, co-chairwoman of BSM’s Black History Month committee, said black history is embedded in the arts, involving expression through dance, song and speech.

Black history is culturally enriching, she said.

“If there wasn’t a month dedicated to black history, would we still recognize it?” Shabazz said.

“Black history is American history,” she added, quoting Morgan Freeman.

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