The Nicholls chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People plans to end the celebration of Black History Month in a festive way.
According to The Library of Congress, the observance of Black History Month began in 1926. However, this celebration of African-American culture started with only seven days known as “Negro History Week.” This observation of achievements began during the second week of February and was solely chosen due to the birthdays of abolitionist Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, who emancipated the slaves during his presidency.
It was not until 1976, when students at Kent State University presented the observation of February as Negro History Week to Black History Month. Soon, Black History Month began to be celebrated internationally.
The NAACP will feature poets, singers, a presentation of African kings and queens and more at their Black History Month program on Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. in Peltier Auditorium. The event is open to the public and is free of charge.
Shanerrika Glover, marketing senior from Bossier City and Nicholls NAACP President, described this event to be something influential for the University.
“The black history program is great for the University because it provides the diversity and black education that the Unviersity and several students lack,” Glover said.
Since there is not a big presence of celebration surrounding Black History Month around campus, Glover hopes this event will bring enlightenment about the importance of this nationally recognized month to students.
“Typically when someone mentions black history, you hear about Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., etc., but truth is there are more pioneers in black history who can’t truly be confined to one month nor one program,” Glover said. “This program can peak interest in students, as well as staff and community members.”
Glover’s hope for this program is that students will be inclined to do more research regarding black history and to empower African-American students with their heritage.