Florida A&M University students honor their black heritage year-round, but February is special – it is Black. History Month, four weeks in which black achievements and culture are celebrated.
A significant change took place in 1976, when it went from Negro History Week to an entire month nationally designated to celebrate the achievements of African-Americans. Black History Month has indeed progressed.
Ashdynn Kennedy, a junior agricultural-business student, has strong feelings about Black History Month.
“Black History Month is more than just a month to me. It is America’s way of giving us something to feel as if we are included. It is deeper than the 28-29 days out of the year. Black history is something I live daily, it is the heritage and the legacy that we have to continue to build and carry on for the rest of our lives,” Kennedy said.
Lawarren Meadows, a sophomore business administration student, dedicates Black History Month to showing his appreciation to the trailblazers before him.
“Black History Month means a lot to me; this is the month where I can not only give thanks but celebrate the legacies of those who paved the way for me. Now I can live in a society with equality,” Meadows said.
With the help of social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, Black History Month has evolved. Users of these apps have taken their creative freedom to new heights when it comes to showcasing their admiration for black excellence.
Meadows takes his celebration to social media.
“I will be posting a different activist on Instagram every day in February. By posting to my social media I will be able to spread awareness and connect with people outside of my immediate circle,” Meadows said.
Search engine giant Google kicked off Black History Month with a bang when it debuted a montage titled “the most searched,” including the Black History Month makers who are the most searched in America.
To Donnie Weatherspoon, a sophomore journalism student, every month is Black History Month.
“Black people always strive for greatness; despite the problems they faced they still managed to be strong. Black History Month shows me how grateful I should be for our ancestors and that I should not give up or take life for granted,” Weatherspoon said.
Florida A&M University has several events dedicated to honoring Black History Month. From the FAMU Harambee Festival to the Black History Month Town Hall Meeting, students, staff, and Tallahassee residents can come together in celebration of their heritage.
For more information on the Black History Month events at FAMU, visit http://www.famunews.com/events/
Outside of Florida A&M University, Florida State University and the city of Tallahassee also have numerous events highlighting Black History Month.
For FSU, visit https://calendar.fsu.edu/search/events?search=black+history
For City of Tallahassee events, visit https://www.tallahasseemagazine.com/events/