Featured graphic by Destiny Mizell
Story by Baylah Close
The Association for the Study of African American Life History designated February as Black History Month in 1976, launching an opportunity for students at Middle Tennessee State University to learn about and celebrate Black History Month.
Whether it is directly planning or simply enjoying events, MTSU offers performances, lectures and other activities to honor Black innovators that contributed to history.
For decades, MTSU has celebrated Black History Month in different ways, such as The Unity Celebration, founded in 1996, to honor those who make outstanding contributions to the communities they serve in the Middle Tennessee area.
The University’s African American History Committee works throughout the year alongside students to ensure invited guests and events are tailored for the student body.
“We also ensure we bring a keynote speaker to campus that is relevant to both our current students and immediate MTSU community,” said Danielle Rochelle, director of Intercultural and Diversity Affairs. “Students are also able to become a part of our IDA Advisory Council which is another forum that allows students to share insights into their experience at MTSU and ways we can improve or increase the voice of students. We are continuously in planning mode and welcome more volunteers.”
This year’s theme is African Americans and the Arts, which is highlighted in many of the events being held on campus this month.
From music to fashion, MTSU’s African American History Committee pays homage to this year’s theme in a slew of events:
- Feb. 1- Black History Month Kickoff
- Feb. 8- Unity Luncheon featuring Cary Holman
- Feb. 16- Color the Runway Fashion Show
- Feb. 22- Black History Month Keynote Speaker
- Feb. 22 and 23- Black History Month Movie Night Series
- Feb. 28- Showtime at the Apollo
- Feb. 29- Glory! A Choral Concert for Black History Month
MTSU’s events calendar showcases more events that student organizations are hosting to celebrate Black History Month.
To contact Lifestyles Editor Destiny Mizell and Assistant Lifestyles Editor Shamani Salahuddin, email lifestyles@mtsusidelines.com. For more news, visit www.mtsusidelines.com, or follow us on Facebook at MTSU Sidelines or on X at @MTSUSidelines.
