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Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Black History Month
Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual observance originating in the United States, where it is also known as African-American History Month. It has received official recognition from governments in the United States and Canada and more recently has been observed during October in Ireland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Black History Month marks achievements made by African Americans and is a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month.
2025 Black History Month Activities
STUDENTS OF COLOR AFFINITY and PEER MINISTRY
Members of the SOCA (Students of Color Affinity) and Peer Ministry assembled peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and other items to comprise over 115 bagged lunches for clients served by Bridges Outreach in Summit. There was a Black History Month Trivia event and both groups also hosted a Food Insecurity Simulation with a focus on the Sisters of Mercy Critical Concern of Racism. During the event, SOCA Student Leaders Shelby Carmant '25 and Akosua Ansong '25 gave a presentation on the meaning of food insecurity and it connects to racism. Students were given a "family scenario" in which they represented a certain family make-up with a certain income. Students learned how much they pay in rent, utilities, medical expenses, etc. to see what they would have remaining each month for food (which is often little to none). They also learned about potential government responses such as WIC and free, reduced lunches.
Members of the SOCA (Students of Color Affinity) and Peer Ministry assembled peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and other items to comprise over 115 bagged lunches for clients served by Bridges Outreach in Summit. There was a Black History Month Trivia event and both groups also hosted a Food Insecurity Simulation with a focus on the Sisters of Mercy Critical Concern of Racism. During the event, SOCA Student Leaders Shelby Carmant '25 and Akosua Ansong '25 gave a presentation on the meaning of food insecurity and it connects to racism. Students were given a "family scenario" in which they represented a certain family make-up with a certain income. Students learned how much they pay in rent, utilities, medical expenses, etc. to see what they would have remaining each month for food (which is often little to none). They also learned about potential government responses such as WIC and free, reduced lunches.
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