By Sophie Higby
February is Black History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the struggles and celebrating the accomplishments of African Americans. Black History Month is celebrated nationally, and Samford is joining alongside the rest of the country, providing resources and hosting events to commemorate the occasion.
Last week, the Office of Diversity and Intercultural Initiatives sent out an email stating their intentions and plans for the next month.
“The office along with the collaborations of many people across campus want to continue to provide opportunities for our students and our entire Samford community to learn and understand the value and importance of people that are different than ourselves,” Associate Provost Student Success and Diversity and Inclusion Denise J. Gregory said.
The email further provided information on how to get involved in the events throughout this month.
For those interested in music, there is a plethora of worship nights being held.
On Feb. 8, Beeson Divinity School is hosting the third annual African American Ministry Emphasis Month. It will take place in Hodges, and each service will include worship. Reverend Dr. Darrell Hall will preach the first night on Isaiah 6:1-6. During the second night of the service on Feb. 15, Reverend Dr. Reginald Calvert will preach on Psalm 104. For those who are unable to attend, the services will be livestreamed. This is a tradition that no Samford student will want to miss.
On Feb. 22, the Samford University Alumni Association is hosting a virtual worship session on Zoom at 10 a.m. Alumnus Lee Dymond is the keynote speaker and will be joined by the Samford University Gospel Choir.
On Feb. 23, the Office of Diversity and Intercultural Initiatives will be highlighting the contributions of African Americans to the music industry. It will be held in Bolding Studio at 3:30 p.m.
Other events include SoCon Diversity Night at the Men’s Basketball game on Feb. 9 in the Pete Hanna Center at 5:30 p.m. as well as a movie night showing of “Race to Be Human” on Feb. 21.
The Black Student Union at Samford will be posting videos on Instagram throughout the month, sharing history fun facts and engaging with the student body.
For more information on how to get involved, check out Instagram at @Samfordbsu, or visit https://www.samford.edu/departments/diversity/news/Samford-Celebrates-Black-History-Month-2022.
