Four speakers begin events celebrating Black History Month

On Thursday, Feb. 1, Nicholls State University welcomed four panelists for an opening panel to begin Black History Month. Four veterans from different branches of the military met in the Le
Bijou Theater in the Donald G. Bollinger Memorial Student Union to discuss the theme for Black History Month this year, African Americans in Times Of War. The four panelists were Richard
Adams, who served in the Air Force for 22 years, Andetrie Hicks, who served in the Army for 20 years and graduated from Nicholls State, Brandon Randolph, a Navy veteran and current senior at Nicholls State and Marcus Robertson, an Army veteran who completed a tour in Afghanistan.

While a few of these speakers had not experienced racism directly while serving in the military, they all had powerful statements of reflection on this year’s theme. “We’re all in the same situation. We all have the same common goal of trying to watch each other’s back and stay alive and make it home at the end of the day,” said Robertson. Robertson went on to explain that throughout his time in the Army, he met many different people, all of which had different backgrounds.

He explained that the military is similar to a melting pot, where people of different races, ethnicities, religions and sexualities all come together to accomplish one common goal.

“Black women throughout the years always served our country,” said Hicks. Hicks went on to briefly explain the history of African American women serving in the military. She went on to explain the importance of women serving in the military, and how the military gave her a sense of stability in life. “I guarantee you’ll be a different person. You’ll come out a different person,” said Hicks.

“We talk about February. We talk about black history. We need to look at the history throughout every day of our life,” said Adams. Adams expressed his feelings toward Black History Month, and he also stressed the importance of having respect for one another. “Look at the heroes in your life…Look at the heroes right there in your household. Mom, dad, uncle, sister, brother, neighbor, pastor,” said Adams.

Adams said that the one thing everyone in life should have is respect, and that if we show respect we will earn it too.

Events will continue on campus throughout the month of February to continue celebrating Black History Month.