The Thea Bowman AHANA and Intercultural Center is again sponsoring Boston College’s Black History Month, which began this past Thursday with an opening ceremony in the Fulton Honors Library. The month will include an art event and a digital media panel, and will conclude Feb. 27 with a closing ceremony.
For over a year now, BC students have visibly protested a number of racial issues. Students and other members of the BC community have critiqued the administration and advocated for further minority involvement in the creation of school policy.This has been manifested in a number of protests, demonstrations, and other calls to action.
With this background, Black History Month remains a time to celebrate history and culture. This month does not fix the previously mentioned issues, but is instead a way for BC students to demonstrate engagement and interest when it comes to this discussion and celebration on campus. It also reminds students that these issues do not remain in the past, and that many still need to be addressed today. Hopefully, the opportunity to learn about and celebrate black history will inspire further action and work toward dealing with the issues that have been brought up.
This is also another opportunity for the administration and other campus groups to address the issues on campus. With the recent missed deadlines for the Undergraduate Government of Boston College’s inclusivity proposal, and the discipline handed down to Eradicate Boston College Racism protesters, there is clearly a need for further discussion. As BC celebrates Black history this month, the community should remain aware that while the month is an important and positive thing, it does not solve these issues by itself, and when it is over, there will still be a need for continued action.
Unfortunately, many students let this month go by without even noticing it. Student engagement is critical if events such as these are to have an impact. As racial issues are addressed across campus and continue to be an important part of discourse, students should participate in and learn from Black History Month.With increased student involvement, Black History Month can celebrate important heritage and culture, as well as further the discussion of racial issues on campus.
Featured Image by Savanna Kiefer / Heights Editor
