A&M is hosting several events to celebrate Black History Month | news

This February, Texas A&M will honor Black History Month by highlighting the basics of black family life and history.

The theme of Black History Month 2021 is “The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity,” which the Association establishes for the study of the life and history of African American people. This topic focuses on looking at the black family as the foundation of black life and history.

“While the role of the black family has been described by some as the microcosm of the entire race, its complexity as the ‘foundation’ of African American life and history is evident in numerous debates about how its meaning and typicity can be presented from a historical perspective – as Slave or free, as patriarchal or matriarchal / matrifocal, as a one-headed or two-headed household, as an extended or nuclear, as a fictional relative or blood relative, as a legal or general right and as black or interracial etc. According to a document from the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.

Asha Winfield, president of A & M’s Black Graduate Students’ Association, said Black History Month is a dedicated time to showcase black life. Winfield said it was important to highlight black history and memory in curricula from elementary school through to secondary and higher education.

“I think Black History Month was generally on purpose[al] from the beginning. It is a time when everyone can participate and everyone intends to learn our history together, ”said Winfield. “What I appreciate most is hearing from my teacher friends how the black story affects their color students, especially those who can’t get this information anywhere else.”

Winfield said that while Black History Month is only in February, it is still of paramount importance to celebrate and remember black life over and over all year round.

“I want it to happen all year round,” said Winfield. “I know there are organizations that work tirelessly to create space for black and colored students.”

A&M will be hosting events on campus and practically all month long highlighting black life. In an article on Texas A&M Today, Corniyah Bradley, President of the Black Student Alliance Council, encouraged all students to participate.

“BSAC is committed to uniting the community in its programs and recognizing the achievements of our community,” said Bradley. “Events practically increase accessibility and reach. Texas A&M students around the world can participate in our events. “

According to Winfield, the Black Graduate Students’ Association will host several events including a Black Aggie Art Show in partnership with the College of Architecture’s Diversity Council to highlight local black artists in the Bryan College Station community. In addition, BSAC is hosting a virtual Paint and Sip on February 12th where a local Black Aggie artist leads attendees to paint a piece to celebrate the life and love of blacks.

“I’m looking forward to Black History Month because we can do something here,” said Winfield. “We can plan events that are really Afrocentric. They urge those who are part of the African diaspora to really share their stories because storytelling is really big in our culture – to share their experiences, art and life in this moment. It’s my favorite month of the year. “

Click here for a full list of Black History Month events on campus and online.