2022 LSU Gumbo - Book - Page 113
LSU’s African American Cultural Center hosted an array
of events during the month of February to celebrate Black
History Month.
The Clarence L. Barney Jr. African American Cultural
Center partnered with the Black History Month Student
Committee to create a calendar with activities catered to all
LSU students.
“The Black History Month calendar is the most
extensive it has ever been,” said Percy Jackson, director of
the Center. “It is exciting because there are a lot of events
for students to choose from.”
This year’s events included the following:
MLK Food Drive, UMOJA Block Party, ELEVATE: The
Chop hosted by the LSU Black Male Leadership Initiative,
BWEI Phenomenal Woman, Career Development of
Students who Identify as Black/African-American, Soul
Food Fest and speeches from Lorinda Sealy and Thyra
Buchanan.
The Center has collaborated with LSU organizations
such as Black Student Union, Black Graduate Professional
Student Association, Iota Tau Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma
Inc., LSU Student Health Center and others to plan the
events.
Jackson remembered the significance of Black History
Month celebrations during his collegiate experience and
said he wants students of color to feel empowered knowing
their history, one deeply rooted in a legacy of contributions
and achievements.
“Education on Black history and moments in Black
history that were very significant in the past as well as
events that are currently in the present will be shown
through the Black History Month events,” Jackson said.
“Participants should also get an opportunity to connect
with other students from all backgrounds and engage in a
setting that promotes community.”
Jackson believes that Black History Month events
contribute to the retention of minority students, as the
events allow students space to identify their culture and a
sense of belonging.
Byron Hansley, an LSU sophomore and AACC
ambassador helped plan the events in conjunction with the
Black History Month Committee.
“[Students] should be able to find a community that is
going to accept them for who they are during these events,”
Hansley said. “All races, backgrounds and beliefs should
participate. Even if you don’t classify as a person of color,
you should come to each event because they are very
informative.”
Previous events such as “Dear Black LSU” have allowed
Black and minority students to find communities within
a large university. Hansley believes that having a space
where students feel comfortable speaking about difficult
experiences is crucial in a primarily white institution.
Codee Jones, an LSU senior, has been a member of the
Black Student Union, an organization within the AACC.
She is proud of the work that the Black Student Union has
put toward sponsoring Black History Month events on
campus.
“I think the AACC and Black History Month add
value to Black students’ college experience,” Jones said.
“I’ve gained friends and engaged in business for the Black
Student Union. These events allow students to volunteer
and connect with the Black Student Union events after
Black History Month comes to an end.”
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