While Black History Month was recognized for the first time in 1976, its origins go back to 1915 when University of Chicago alum and historian Carter G. Woodsen co-founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. In 1926, the group declared the second week of February as the “Negro History Week” to recognize the contributions of African-Americans to American History and to encompass the birthdays of two great Americans who played a substantial role in shaping black history – Abraham Lincoln (born February 12, 1809) and Frederick Douglass (born February 14, 1818). In 1976, this week-long celebration officially became Black History Month when U.S. President Gerald Ford decided to extend the celebrations to “honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history”.

At Union’s diverse community, the following clubs celebrate Black culture and identity on campus.

1. Black Student Union: BSU aims to enhance and solidify the diversity initiative on campus surrounding African-American issues. Their goals are to promote education on issues about black student life and black history through campus-wide events and discussions. The BSU works to enrich an already thriving college community full of diverse ideas, with the vision to leave a legacy not only for African-American students but for all students. 
2. African Students Association: ASA aims to provide a platform for African students, students of African descent and other interested students (and alumni) to promote, share, and celebrate the African spirit and cultures within the Union Community.
3. Jaiva – Afro Vibes: This dance group welcomes and draws people into African culture through dance. Members of the club learn about different kinds of African dance at practices, workshops, and performances. They strive to form a community open to all who appreciate African dance culture on campus.

In honor of Black History Month, we interviewed Union students about their thoughts on the cultural significance of this celebration:

“Black History month to me is an opportunity to educate myself on aspects of history that were lost within the typical education system, fill in gaps of knowledge that need to be filled and to make sure that all the voices that need to be uplifted and heard are uplifted and heard.”

Marissa Morris ’27

“According to me, the significance of the Black History Month is to learn about the contributions that African-American people have made in regards to American Culture and Society as well as to learn to appreciate these contributions in our day to day lives.”

Brian Hernandez ’27