This February marks the 50th anniversary of Black History Month being federally recognized. With each passing year, it’s essential to reexamine and refresh our approach to celebrating and honoring the history of African Americans.
Our political landscape is at an extremely perilous point, and it’s the responsibility of every student at Villanova to be politically active and aware of current events. On Dec. 31 in Los Angeles, an off-duty Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent fatally shot Keith Porter Jr., an African American father of two. On Jan. 22, the National Park Service removed a slavery memorial exhibit from Philadelphia’s Independence Park that honored the people enslaved by President George Washington.
There are instances across our country every day of violence and disrespect towards African Americans that serve as examples for why Black History Month shouldn’t simply be a mantra to repeat once February comes along. It should be an action phrase. It should be a continuous and conscious attempt to become more educated, more cultured and more aware.
The efforts of clubs like Villanova’s Black Student Union, BSU, hould not be ignored. They’re meant to grab your attention and encourage your participation. Villanovans should take the time to attend an event or exhibit highlighting Black History Month. Here are a couple of ideas to get you started:
In Philadelphia
Make a visit to the Philadelphia Art Museum for a survey of African American artist Noah Davis’ work, which is centered on political and familial themes of the lived Black experience. This showcase goes through April 26, serving as a reminder that celebrating Black history is not limited to only the month of February.
At the African American Museum in Philadelphia, two-time Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter’s collection of Afrofuturism in Costume Design is on display. Carter is the first Black woman ever to win two Academy Awards, and the exhibit includes costumes from her time working on the Black Panther films.
Attend a show at Philly’s SOUTH Restaurant and Jazz Club, where you can grab a bite to eat of the southern-inspired food and support Black Jazz artists. Although they don’t have any events specifically geared toward Black History Month, it’s a little more upscale than normal college dining and a fun opportunity to hear live music.
At Villanova
For more interactive and community-based events, stay on campus on Feb. 17 and go to BSU’s Trap and Paint brunch in Corr Hall or the Black Gatsby Gala on Feb. 22 in the Villanova Room. If you’d like a more formal, educationally focused idea, VSB Unitas’ Spotlight Speaker Series is inviting Angela Val, the CEO of Visit Philly, to speak on Feb. 12.
Honoring Black History Month looks different for everyone. Find an event that aligns with your interests. Taking the time to listen to and learn from Black voices is more important than ever. We can repost stories and preach about the events we have around campus all we want, but it won’t make a difference unless students actually attend and care.
