Celebrating black history

In 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson launched Negro History Week and slated the events for the second week of February. Today, Negro History Week has turned into Black History Month, characterized by nationwide recognition of and participation in events and education to commemorate the contributions of African Americans -- and the IU campus is no exception. \nFebruary was chosen by Dr. Woodson because it marks the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.\nMany historical events that took place during the month of February allow Americans to reflect on the contributions of African Americans to U.S. culture: W.E.B DuBois was born; the 15th Amendment was passed, giving blacks the right to vote; the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded; and the first sit-in took place in 1960.\nThough national in scope, this historical context has sparked a continuing interest on campus in the history of blacks in America, as a myriad of IU groups prepare activities in a month-long celebration of their heritage. \nAlmost 4 percent of IU's student body is composed of African-American students, according to the Office of Admissions. Many campus organizations were created to engage the minority and African-American student populations at IU in the education and critical discourse on issues affecting their communities. These organizations have come together to create an atmosphere that bridges the gap between the minority and majority factions on campus. \nDuring Black History Month, these organizations have a chance to focus campus attention on the contributions of African-American society.\n"Black History Month is a time for the black community at IU to celebrate their heritage together," said junior Marshawn Wolley, president of the Black Student Union. "In class, we learn a little about everyone else. This month is a time to learn a lot about ourselves."\nThe newly dedicated Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center provides a home for this type of education. The facility offers a forum for activities, meetings, lectures and other resources that promote African-American culture. People from all ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to utilize the center to advance the collaboration of different cultural communities.\nGloria J. Gibson, associate vice chancellor in the Office of Multicultural Affairs, marks the dedication of the Neal Marshall Center as "the new beginning." She said she looks to Black History Month as a continuation of the celebration of that fresh start. \n"Let us all become active participants in 'the new beginning' so that future generations of IU students will continue to benefit from the dream and pass it on to others," Gibson said.\nThe Office of Multicultural Affairs represents all minority students at IU. It is composed of the African American Cultural Center, the African American Arts Institute, the Asian Culture Center, the Latino Culture Center, the Latino Student Advocates and the Diversity Education Program. \n"Because the African American community at IU is so small, it is important to have programming geared to just ourselves," said junior Jason Lee, president Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. "It is a valuable experience to be surrounded by positive African Americans and to be educated about our struggles"