VALDOSTA — Valdosta State University honors the historical and cultural contributions of African Americans and recognizes 400-plus years of perseverance in the African American pursuit for equality during Black History Month.
VSU has a number of activities scheduled for Black History Month, including open conversations about issues impacting the African American community; a Blazer Pitch competition for entrepreneurs; a leadership workshop; movie and open mic nights; a National Pan-Hellenic Council yard show and block party; a poster symposium; a conversation with Dr. Willie Houseal, who served as Valdosta City Councilman from 1985 to 1989 and was instrumental in ensuring equal representation in local government; civil rights, education, leadership, and culture exhibits inside Odum Library; and more.
Black History Month activities are presented free of charge. A complete schedule and list of sponsors may be found at https://www.valdosta.edu/diversity/black-history-month.php.
The story of Black History Month began in 1915 when historian Carter G. Woodson and Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, an organization dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by black Americans. The organization sponsored the first national Negro History Week in 1926, choosing the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.
Negro History Week was expanded to Black History Month in 1976, the nation’s bicentennial. President Gerald R. Ford urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
Today the Association of the Study of Negro Life and History is known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Its mission is to promote, research, preserve, interpret, and disseminate information about black life, history, and culture to the global community.
U.S. News and World Report has named VSU among the Best Colleges for Ethnic Diversity, recognizing the university’s efforts to expand opportunities and offer a learning environment that is welcoming to students of different racial and ethnic backgrounds. Embracing diversity benefits all students by fostering innovation and encouraging collaboration.