A Look Back at Black Heritage Month

A Look Back at Black Heritage Month
By: Lexi Ganas ’20

Black history month has been a tradition in this country since 1976, but its roots stretch much further back. The month of February has been designated to celebrate and honor the achievements of black men and women. Millersville University is interested in promoting many different programs and events to celebrate and honor their contributions along with the rest of the country. Our very own Dr. Rita Smith-Wade El Intercultural Center took an active role on campus by drawing attention to the systemic barriers in place for black men and women. They have taken a stance to revise Millersville’s previous approach to Black History Month. The Intercultural Center took the initiative to shift the name of the month to Black Heritage Month in order to better encompass and appreciate all facets and aspects of black lives today. Millersville is excited to support the work done by this organization as it attempts to educate, protect, and serve the diversity that enriches our campus. Along with the Intercultural Center, many organizations and groups on campus celebrated the month by hosting events.

Among many awesome events, we kicked off the month with a Sunday Showcase which featured “Sarafina” a film about the struggle for freedom. The Millersville film club participated by showing films such as “Moonlight” which highlights a young black man’s journey to and through adulthood in America. the NAACP hosted Brunch and Books which was a study hall open to all students. The School of Social Work participated by screening “The Central Park Five ” documentary featuring special guest Ismail Smith-Wade-El, Lancaster City Council President. Our month-long calendar of events also included the inaugural Black Excellence Ball, the Carter G. Woodson lecture featuring Dr. Mary Francis Berry, the Black Student Union’s “Cooking With Soul” and a trip to the National Museum of African American History and Culture all the way in D.C.

Millersville University is dedicated to providing an enriching learning environment that extends outside the classroom walls. We hope you were able to participate in events that took place to commemorate the achievements, history, and lives of the black men and women who shaped this country during this Black Heritage Month.