| March 2nd, 2018

Is Black History Still relevant to FAMU

By: journeymagazine

By| Blaire Bishop

Black History Month has come and gone. As the country arranged for the yearly festival of African-American history, culture, and accomplishments,Florida A&M University and the community weren’t active as usual in regards to the events.

Carter G. Woodsoon was cited as the “father of black history”. In February 1926 he launched the celebration of “Negro History Week”, the precursor to Black History Month. He is an American historian, author, journalist and the founder of the Association for the study of African American Life and History. He was one of the first scholars to study African American History and A founder of The Journal of Negro History in 1916.

“Negro History week” in the end, advanced into “Black History Month” amid the social equality developments of the 1960s. In 1976, President Gerald Ford formally accepted Black History Month and approached the country to “grab the chance to respect the time and again dismissed achievements of Black Americans in each territory of attempt all through our history”.

Meanwhile, in 2018, Black History Month projects and activities have diminished massively at FAMU. The Office of Student Activities, which is the office in charge of arranging and actualizing  on campus programming for the student body, is just arranging a Black history crusade for the month.

The University Office of Communications revealed that the main occasions from the college are the yearly Black History Convocation in Gaither Gymnasium and the Harambee Festival at Cascade Park. The FAMU Department of History has not discharged any occasions to date.

Despite the fact that FAMU is the fifth biggest Historically Black University in the country, as indicated by 2017 insights announced on HBCUlifestyle.com, FAMU has been a cavalier in regards to the yearly festival of Black culture and achievements.

During Black History Month, you always hear familiar names and read inspiring articles about important figures and heroes from the Black community. You are reminded about what they accomplished, but often overlook how they got there.

The love of Black History Month has unmistakably decreased on the campus. Jayla Tucker, a sophomore political science major, believes people are taking an active approach through social media and not really active in the community.

“Now in this generation you can see more active celebration on social media and things like that,” said Tucker. “It is important that we still implement the traditions ways and get back to being active in the community.”

Many of the leaders who are honored and recognized are products of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). It is important that our HBCUs (FAMU) are also honored not just for the role they played in the past, but the role, impact and influence they have today.

The Upsilon Psi Chapter had their yearly “28 Days of Black History.” Aleya Bradley who serves as Miss Upsilon Psi, Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., says this annual celebration has been going on for some time now.

“We know how important Black History Month is,” said Bradley. “We decided to keep the 28 days of black History month, where we have an event everyday of the month to celebrate black history as apart of our outreach to the campus and community.”

FAMU is more of a starring role in our great American story because the campuses remain in the business of helping the nation to realize its greatest potential through education. FAMU is still producing black doctors, lawyers and scientists. HBCUs are also leading on groundbreaking research and data into finding solutions to barriers to success in fragile communities.

Deanna Young, A junior nursing student says, the history of FAMU and the significance of the African-Americans is Black History.

“Being that FAMU is an HBCU we have black history all year round.” said Young. “Despite the low events, we celebrate black history everyday and we are reminded where we come from and how important it is to stay active in our black community.”

As we end this period of the festivities, one can hope that the significance of Black History Month will resound with the college and community.