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Remembrance and reflection were part of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Black Heritage Month’s (BHM) Opening Session on Monday, Feb. 1 that highlighted a past full of struggle and strength. Jessica Harris, PhD, assistant provost for academic equity and inclusive excellence in the SIUE Office of the Provost, was the featured speaker. 

Harris chronicled the beginnings of Black History Month in her speech, “Why Black History Month Matters: A Call to Remember. A Call to Greater Achievement” during the virtual celebration sponsored by SIUE’s Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion (CSDI) and the BHM Committee, headed by Tarsha Moore, CSDI assistant director. 

 “As we celebrate this month, I encourage all of you to do your research and reflect upon contributions made by Black people in this country, both forced and voluntary,” said SIU System President Dan Mahony, PhD. “Also recognize the contributions that Black people have made to SIUE. We have a lot of work to do at SIU and SIUE to be all that we hope to become, and we must continue to support and advocate for Black people. In advocating for diversity, equity and inclusion, we are advocating for a better University and community for all.”

“The story of Black History Month begins in Chicago during the summer of 1915 with Dr. Carter G. Woodson,” recounted Harris, who served as an associate professor in the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Historical Studies and director of the interdisciplinary Black Studies program before being promoted into administrative roles. 

Woodson’s advocacy of the widespread dissemination of Black history would lead to the eventual launch of Negro History Week in February 1926. “Woodson chose February to encompass the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, whose birthdays are the 12th and the 14th, respectively,” Harris explained. 

The 1960s and the Civil Rights movement turned Negro History Week into Black History Month, with most celebrations on college campuses. “In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month, calling upon the public to ‘seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history,’” she recounted. “Every president since Ford has issued a similar proclamation. 

“Black history is a call to remember the valiant struggles of freedom fighters like Nat Turner, Harriet Tubman and Harriet Jacobs, and Frederick Douglass who exposed the horrors of slavery and created pathways toward its end. We remember women like Ida B. Wells-Barnett and Mary Church Terrell who not only spoke out against the indignities of racism, but also defended the lives and positions of Black women, when others were silent. We recall the strange fruit of Southern and Northern trees, the Black bodies swinging in the breeze, reminding us of the backlash and violence that those committed to white supremacy can and do wield. 

“However, we also remember W.E.B. Du Bois, A. Philip Randolph, Ella Baker, Fannie Lou Hamer, John Lewis, Huey Newton, Bobby Seale, Fred Hampton, Robert Williams—and the countless invisible foot soldiers whose sacrifices and service have opened a number of pathways and opportunities for us today.” 

Also on the program were SIUE Black Theatre Workshop (BTW) students Heaven Bones and Tylan Tarron, who performed “Stand Black,” a piece written by Bones, Taron and Kiara Ullmer. Bones is a junior majoring in psychology, and minoring in theater and Black studies. Taron is a junior majoring in theater design. Ullmer is an SIUE alumna. 

“Black is the hue of royalty … proud adorned jewels of excellence … our blood holds the magic that illuminates our souls,” resounded Taron. “Our stories are passed down through art, poetry, dance … We create with love and light, but we speak words seasoned with soul. Our essence is what birthed this nation … Black is not meant to be feared. Black is nothing to be ashamed of. Black is not violent. Black is magical, vibrant and bold.” 

“Why doesn’t anyone listen to me? … Oh, you can’t because I’m angry, right?” intoned Bones. “I’m sick and tired of everyone assuming that I’m just angry for no reason … I’m angry, because I feel my voice has been silenced my whole life. … Since the 19^th century, Black women have been stereotyped as loud, ‘ratchet,’ promiscuous, uneducated …This woman right here ain’t ‘ratchet.’ This woman ain’t promiscuous. I work hard, and I go to school full time, thank you very much …We have humanity in us.” 

In another part of the program, Bentley asked, “What makes us resilient, and who are the resilient people you know?” 

Responses in the chat included: 

• “Maintaining hope – never giving up. Taking the pain and loss endured, and using that as our super power makes us beautiful and strong” – R’Eyanna Moore 

• “Dr. Eugene B. Redmond, Black faculty and staff on this campus” – Lydia Jackson 

• “My ancestors who crossed the Middle Passage. My grandmother, my father, my brother” – Venessa Brown 

• “The way in which we struggle with Racial Battle Fatigue, we have no choice but to be resilient in a racist space” – Robin Hughes 

• “Black resilience is the continued and collective uplifting that is practiced daily outside of the lens of public consumption.” – Derrick Houston 

The audience was also treated to two videos – one looking at SIUE Black history and promise, and the other on those Black people, stars and movements who have been the most searched on the internet. 

“The research, reflection or advocation for positive change should not be confined to Black Heritage Month or this opening ceremony,” said Mahony. “Black history is American history, and I encourage us to embrace and recognize that. In fact, studying American history without studying Black history is like reading a book with several critically important pages missing from each chapter. Without those pages, it doesn’t leave you with a really good understanding of American history. Often, it leaves you with a misunderstanding of American history.” 

“One final element for us to reflect on is that we have the same history makers right here at SIUE,” concluded Moore. “They are here. They are energetic. They are ready to learn and get out in the community and inspire. When we think about Black resilience, we should think about the beautiful Black bodies that are at SIUE, who contribute in so many positive ways not just during Black Heritage Month, but every single day.” 

For information on other upcoming events, visit BHM calendar.

Photo:
Tarsha Moore, Black Heritage Month committee chair and CSDI assistant director.