Western's Black History Month celebration kicks off Feb. 1 on campus

Black History Month, which started as a week to acknowledge the contributions of African Americans throughout U.S. History, is a time to recognize that Black History is American history, and to honor the influences that the Black Diaspora has had and continues to have on the world. This is a time to reflect on the past, engage in the present, and create a better future where members of the Black Community can live and flourish, unapologetically.

"It's exciting to see the work that has been done by the Black History Month planning committee, led by the Black Student Coalition. While Black History Month is a time to reflect and honor the past, it is also a time when we can celebrate all the love, joy, creativity, knowledge, and wisdom that the Black community brings to this world today. We have a lot to celebrate this year; specifically, the grand re-opening of the Black Student Coalition, a space created through Black student advocacy," said Amy Salinas Westmoreland, director of Multicultural Student Services at Western. "Our programming embodies what it means to be 'Unapologetically Black.' We have created spaces to learn about our past, celebrate our present, and plan our future. This is work that we do every day in the Black Student Coalition, being able to share it with the community is an honor. Join us in spaces of communal learning and celebration. A special thank you to the Black History Month planning committee for their dedication to bringing this celebration to our community."

Find out more about Black History Month at Western, along with the month's slate of events from across campus, here.