Panel focuses on women’s achievements during Black History Month Celebration Kick-Off

The Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center held a Black History Month Celebration Kick-Off Monday at the Center’s Grand Hall.

“It’s incredible that we are honoring women not only this evening but the rest of this month,” said Office of Diversity Education Director Eric Love.

Senior Imani Wills-Henderson attended the event after recently writing a report about the contribution of black women in American history. She said many black women have been important in the progress black people have made, even if they aren’t always mentioned.  

Director of academic support centers Leslie Robinson  also attended the event.
“I wanted to come to kickoff the Black History Month,” Robinson said. “I was particularly interested in the focus on women.”

Each week of February focuses on a different theme.

This week is “Blacktastic Week: A Focus on Health and Wellness.” Each day has a theme, such as “More Water Wednesday” and “No Sweet Tuesday.”

The following week is “Black Swag Week,” which focuses on individuality, self-appreciation and uplifting messages. The final week is “Blackademic Week,” which focuses on black unity and knowledge.  

“This year, we wanted to do something that would engage everyone,” graduate assistant Melody Barham said.

Dr. Raquel Hill, assistant professor of computer science in the School of Informatics and Computing, was the speaker at the kickoff.

“I think if we don’t understand our past, we would be destined to relive the failures and mistakes,” Hill said. “As a culture, we should celebrate black history everyday.”  

During the event, a PowerPoint featured notable black women, including the late Camilla Williams, former IU professor and the first African-American woman to
hold a contract with a major U.S. opera company.

“Their lives are a true testament of what we can achieve,” Hill said. “I think it’s really important for us to recognize the accomplishments of African-American women. We need to understand our history and know our achievements so that we know it’s possible.”

The Neal-Marshall Center is working with the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs and students groups such as the Black Student Union and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.  

“I don’t think we’re where we need to be in recognizing achievements of marginalized groups,” Love said. “Black history is definitely American history. Everyone should help celebrate.”