The Black Student Union at Florida State University is gearing up for exhilarating events during Black History Month, as well as celebrating its 55th anniversary.
According to the FSU website, the Department of History wrote that African American students started matriculating at FSU in the 1960s. By 1968, The Black Student Union was created and supplied African American students a safe space on campus.
Marcus Walden, the BSU’s public relations and marketing chair, says the month-long celebration will shed light on Black history and culture among the FSU community.
“The festivities this year are more organized and planned out further in advance,” Walden said. “The theme of Black History Month is ‘Rewind,’ essentially channeling 55 years of Black culture, excellence, and resilience.”
One of the Black Student Union’s master coordinators, Nadia Jennings, says that next month is a significant one for the organization and will exhibit the initial values of the organization.
“FSU’s Black Student Union is celebrating by throwing 17 unique events through the course of the month,” Jennings said. “We’ve come a long way since 1968 and I believe that the events we have planned showcases the heart, soul and culture that has been preserved since the founding of the Black Student Union.”
The 21-year-old says this year’s festivities differ from prior ones. She said that due to her previous experiences of commemorating Black History Month, as well as her current role within the organization, she believes that this is the most supreme Black History Month jubilee that the Black Student Union has thrown.
“Our calendar has the usual fun, light-hearted events such as Family Feud and AfroFunk Fest,” Jennings said. “On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have touching and thought-provoking events such as our showing and panel of ‘The Bryce Gowdy Story,’ addressing mental health in the Black community, especially for Black athletes. Overall, this month is incredibly impactful, and our executive board worked to produce one of the strongest Black History Months for Florida State.”
The first event is scheduled to commence at FSU on Wednesday, Feb. 1. Jennings provided more details on the occasion.
“Our first event is the ‘Oh So Live, 55!’ kickoff general body meeting in the Union Ballrooms from 6-8 p.m.,” Jennings said. “We would love to see everyone come out as we start off Black History Month right.”