The Nicholls State University Counselling Center put together its yearly Black History Month celebration.

The counselling center is set to host its third annual Essence of Black Celebration on Feb. 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The event is free to attend and open to neighboring colleges, sororities, fraternities and the surrounding community. There will be food, vendors, auctions, health and wellness resources, live entertainment and more.

Chair of the Essence of Black Celebration, Elnora Vicks, said the idea for the celebration came to the counselling center after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vicks said she wanted to create a safe space for marginalized students, specifically African American students, to celebrate and acknowledge their “cultivating diversity and inclusion” on Nicholls’ campus..

She added that she wanted to build upon African American students’ past visual arts, music and cultural movements that united Nicholls and surrounding communities.

“This historical event continues to thrive every year and is a significant celebration of the history and culture of Black individuals. It united our community, highlighting diversity and inclusion within our campus community, and could not have been successful without our EOBC committee members, sponsors, volunteers, and vendors,” said Vicks.

The theme for this year’s Essence of Black Celebration is “The Power of Black Labor”, which serves as the Black History Month national theme. This year will highlight black businesses with panels, discussions and events presenting the history of the power of Black Labor.

CROWN Coordinator Farren Clark described the event as a great space to connect with others.

“I like to think of it as a seed. With every seed comes a forest [and] I think Nicholls is a fertile ground for diversity to bloom,” Clark said.

Vicks shared that the Student Government Association has declared a proclamation for the Essence of Black Celebration to be held every first Friday of February. It will be known as Essence of Black Celebration Day at Nicholls.