By: Chase Merwin

Life and legacy, a celebration of African American culture encompassed Western as Black History Month was observed during the month of February.

A variety of events was hosted honoring the contributions of African American culture in society. Events included a presentation by renowned black poet Porsha Olayiwola, a blood drive, a Valentine’s Day event called “Black Love”, a soul food lunch and a “Black Heritage Dinner” to close out the celebrations. 

Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day, was the CME’s celebration of black love which emphasized the importance of not only affection between people of color but brotherhood, sisterhood and friendship. 

Attendees at the black love event discussed both the positives and the negatives underlying black love. Some expressed that blacks do not love each other enough, others said that they don’t love each other properly, and more shared their personal beliefs of what black love entails. 

Sigma Kappa chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. President Tra Qualls spoke about the power of black love through an original poem, expressing ideas which could apply to all.

“Black love is appreciative of roots and backgrounds,” Qualls said. “Black love is genuine. Black love created life on this planet.”

Black History Month ended elegantly with a black heritage dinner hosted by the Black Student Union. The event was an opportunity for Western’s African-American students to converse and enjoy performances by students in the Black Student Union.

It was also an opportunity to receive encouraging words from Western alum, Kimberly Warren. Her energetic speech stressed the importance of making ends meet for a smooth graduation and of preparing oneself to be the most marketable person one can be.

“College is more than a grade,” Warren said. “I am rarely asked how my grades were in college because people are going to want to know how you are going to perform with my team when you walk into that office on Monday morning.”

Warren left students with inspiration by highlighting that African-Americans have only just begun to provide the world with their talents, skills and passion.

“We are still having a lot of ‘firsts’,” Warren said. “You’d think by now we would have had a first person of color in every field, but we’re still looking for you and we’re still looking for a cure for cancer.”

Black History Month was not only a celebration of African-Americans at large. The focus was undoubtedly Western students. It was a month of recognition and preparation for those students who will one day help shape the future of our community, state, nation and world.