The history of Black History Month started in 1915 with the foundation of the association known today as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) by Carter G. Woodson, the second Black American to receive a Ph.D. from Harvard University. The group sponsored a national Negro History Week starting in 1926 and chose the second week of February, which coincides with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. In 1976, the whole month of February became known as Black History Month, recognized by President Gerald Ford as part of the federal government, inspiring schools and communities across the country to organize celebrations, establish history clubs, and host performances and lectures to highlight the importance of Black history.
Andrews University was one of many institutions to take part in the celebration. While digging through past Student Movement archives, I found issues from the 1950s discussing Black History Week. Speakers were invited from all over the country to hold seminars for the week, such as Pastor Alvin Kibble from New Jersey and Dr. Benjamin F. Reaves from Oakwood College. Black History Week would also be celebrated with an award service, though there is no discussion as to the specifics. The celebratory week ended with a special concert by the Aeolians of Oakwood College in 1987. AU had a Black History Celebration Committee, namely starting in 1981, resulting in a more focused view of Black History in the years to come. The Student Movement also took the opportunity to highlight and discuss diversity during the month of February, publishing various articles titled, for example, “Exploring Our Diversity” or writing Black History Profiles for important figures, such as Frances Ellen Watkins Harper. During the month of February, the SM would take the chance to discuss diversity within the Adventist community, but also specifically at AU, and encouraging and applauding unity. One of the most interesting things I found during my deep-dive was an article announcing that Rear Admiral Barry C. Black, the 62nd chaplain of the U. S. Senate and an AU alumnus, spoke at the university in honor of Black History Month. According to the article, he was the “first African-American, the first Seventh-day Adventist and the first military chaplain to hold [the] office.” AU has some amazing alumni!
Today, our celebration of Black history has spread to a month full of activities, ranging from vespers to co-curriculars and fun events, such as banquets and bowling nights. BSCF, the Black Student Christian Forum, is the main coordinator of these events and makes sure that students recognize and celebrate this wonderful history and culture with special events such as Spirit Week (Jan. 29-Feb. 2) and many more educational and fun events!
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.