On Thursday, March 1, the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science’s Black Student Alliance hosted an engaging celebration of Black History Month.
Black History Month was originally conceived of in 1926 by noted African American historian and scholar, Carter G. Woodson. Woodson went on to establish the “Association for the Study of Negro Life and Culture,” with the intent to make black history accessible to all Americans. He believed that by spreading awareness about the incredible accomplishments and contributions of African Americans, he could shift racial relations in the United States. Black History Month became a month-long national celebration in 1976. Since the mid-70s, schools, universities, community groups, and nonprofit organizations have worked together to ensure that African American history and culture remain at the forefront of American discourse.
The Black Student Association put together a riveting event that featured poetry readings of works of art by famous black authors, as well as readings and reenactments that celebrated key events in African American history. The event also included music by MSMS’s own Voices in Harmony, a Black Lives Matter tribute, and a powerful dance number.
A special thank you to Dr. Ty Crook who serves as the faculty sponsor for the Black Student Association and was instrumental in overseeing this year’s Black History Month celebration.