Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country | Founded 05-05-05

February 1, 2007 issue

February Is Black History Month

Story by Celeste von Mangan

In 1926, Harvard scholar Dr. Carter G. Woodson organized the inaugural Negro History Week, a celebration that took place during the second week of February. Woodson chose the date to coincide with the birthdays of two men who had impacted black Americans in a powerful and positive way: Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Woodson devoted his life to making “the world see the Negro as a participant rather than as a lay figure in history.” Over time, Negro History Week evolved into Black History Month.

“We view Black History Month as something we appreciate and learn about all year long,” said Augusto E. Pena, assistant director of multicultural education at ASU, “and not just during the month of February. We take the same approach when educating on any part of the human experience whether it’s Appalachian culture, gender issues, Hispanic, Native American or Asian history. A neat thing about this spring is that some really outstanding events have been scheduled in January, February and March that have direct links to African American culture and history.”

The programs coordinated by the Multicultural Education Center were created to provide educational growth opportunities for community members as well as ASU students.

“The ASU and Boone community will have the opportunity to experience rich history, music, poetry and hopefully gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for African American culture,” said Pena. “We take this opportunity of promoting education and inclusion with everything that we do. Our students from underrepresented populations definitely benefit and appreciate the university’s support and commitment to inclusion and diversity, but all of us gain from the sharing that takes place when every human experience and perspective is recognized and valued.”

 

 

Schedule of Events For Black History Month 2007

Appalachian has several events scheduled in February to commemorate Black History Month. All are open to the community. For more information about any of these activities, call 828-262-6252 or click to www.multicultural.appstate.edu.

Monday, February 12: Black History Jeopardy. Attic Window Room, Plemmons Student Union, 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Monday, February 19: Soulfood Cinema. Attic Window Room, Plemmons Student Union, 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, February 22: BSA Blood Drive. Grandfather Mountain/Roan Mountain Room, Plemmons Student Union, 10:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, February 22: The Legends Celebration. 100 African American Book Dedication Celebration. Summit Trail Solarium, Plemmons Student Union, 7:00 p.m.

Monday, February 26: Living Wax Museum. Attic Window Room, Plemmons Student Union, 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.