Black History Month concludes

As Black History Month concluded Wednesday, an event at the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center celebrated the lives of four IU-affiliated African-Americans who died during the 2011-12 academic year.

The event commemorated Katie Hall, Indiana’s first black member in the U.S. House of Representatives; Dr. Lawrence Hanks, former Dean of African American Affairs at IU; Camilla Williams, the first African-American woman to sign a contract with a major United States opera company; and Caramel Russell, the first director of the Black Culture Center. A letter was also drafted in their honor.

“Each paragraph encapsulates their contributions,” said Clarence Boone, director of diversity programs at the IU Alumni Association. “They lead very inspiring lives. Each one in their own right had great lives, and we thank them.”

Professor Iris Rosa spoke about Russell.

“Mrs. Russell was like cool, running water,” Rosa said. “She always had some for people do drink. She was a steady stream of wisdom and energy.”

Rosa said Russell was respected by all, and her presence lives on for everyone.
“She was a culture carrier and was always checking on students when their morals and values were shaky,” Rosa said.

Student Olusola Lawal was a pallbearer at Hanks’ funeral. He wrote his own eulogy for Hanks, which he submitted to the MLK Day Essay Contest.

Lawal began his speech by talking about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“His legacy can hardly be exaggerated or overblown,” Lawal said. “I’m at awe at how much his life and death has changed the lives of millions of people.”

Lawal spoke about King’s legacy of non-violence and said Hanks employed a similar approach. Lawal said Hanks was instrumental in creating the Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration at IU.

“This proposal didn’t involve guns or inflammatory threats,” Lawal said. “He is one of the many reasons we are all sitting here today. Dr Hanks continued the legacy of Dr. King.”

Dr. James Mumford spoke about Williams.

“I want to reemphasize some of her accomplishments,” he said. “If you ever met her, you couldn’t forget her. She wanted to be an example for all people.”

Mumford ended his speech with a song.

Dr. Stephanie Power-Carter, who  opened the event, spoke of the significance of Black
History Month.

“It’s in the spirit of people who are trailblazers, in particular those at IU,” Power-Carter said. “It’s a time of reflection to revive ourselves and think about the contributions we can make as individuals.”

Power-Carter said it is important to remember black history doesn’t end after
February.

“We make history every day,” she said. “It is up to us, just as it has been for every other generation, to continue this legacy.”