Student organizations celebrate Black History Month at Chapman

Illustration by Kamaal Samuel, Illustrator

This February, Chapman’s student organizations are using Black History Month not only to honor Black culture, but to create spaces of belonging and reflection for all students on campus.

Celebrated nationally, Black History Month honors the vital contributions of Black individuals to society. At Chapman, this month also serves as a time to preserve Black history and recognize the experiences of Black communities.

Organizations such as Black Student Union (BSU) and Black Global Diaspora (BGD) host a number of events this month to speak out on this important time of year. 

The Cross Cultural Center (CCC) at Chapman aims to “bring community and culture together,” said Araceli Martinez, the center’s executive director.

Martinez and the CCC helped lead a Black History Month celebration partnered with BSU, BGD, Wilkinson College and the School of Communication. This event included a number of speakers such as BSU President Taya Good-Smith, a senior communication studies major, and Vijay Williams, a screenwriting master’s student. Also included was a supercut video showcasing Black excellence, a live performance from a drum and dance ensemble and more. 

Williams, a graduate assistant at the Cross Cultural Center, assisted in planning one of the first Black History Month events for this year. 

Having completed their undergraduate studies at Morehouse College, a historically Black institution, Williams expressed appreciation for a BSU chapter at Chapman. 

“Being able to still have BSU, and to see my people, I am able to still engage with them and continue to learn from them,” said Williams.

As the month continues, events are implemented to expand conversations beyond just a celebration. 

Upcoming plans will reflect on the intersectionality of Black identities, while addressing topics such as joy, disability and even cultural expression. 

The Black History Month celebration on Feb. 10 was just the beginning of many events to come this month for Chapman students. The CCC is hosting a number of events in the coming weeks, including a BSU panel, Black Joy As Resistance on Feb. 18, Followed by a BGD Mardi Gras on Feb. 19 and a Black Disabled Women panel on Feb. 20. 

More student-run events throughout the month include a Y2K cookout, Cookies and Craft and a Black Film Fest.  

As this month continues to progress, Chapman’s student organizations are here to make certain that everyone at Chapman has representation. It is not only vital to these organizations recognizing their Black excellence, but for all Chapman students who need acceptance and support. 

“It’s a reminder of where we’ve been, where we’re at and where we need to go,” said Williams. 

With panels, cultural celebrations and more showcases still ahead, Black History Month at Chapman continues to offer opportunities for students to gather, learn and celebrate the diversity of Black experiences together.