Hampton University

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student spotlight

The Truth About Black History Month

Leena “I think it’s a time for people to learn history that they wouldn’t have learned otherwise. It’s a time to get the facts. You even see black history information on Twitter.” –Leena Men, freshman public relations major
Josh “I don’t think our generation attributes the same value to black history month as our ancestors did. They didn’t fight for us to treat each other this way or talk to each other this way. Black History Month is absolutely important, but I’m not sure the relevance trickled down to this generation.” –Josh McMan, freshman physics major
Sydney “I celebrate Black history month, but I don’t necessarily agree with it. We are singled out for a month but as Americans, we should celebrate our history during the entire year. We could be learning about our history all year.” –Sydney Green, sophomore broadcast journalism major
Brandon “It’s a month of reflection to celebrate our past and our future.” -Brandon Smith, senior marketing major
Princess “It’s a month to commemorate and appreciate all African American pioneers as well as our present leaders. It’s a month to appreciate those who have uplifted our race.” – Princess McPherson, sophomore psychology major
Ashley “It’s about understanding where you come from, knowing your history, knowing your roots. It’s about appreciating the struggle our ancestors went through to get us here.” –Ashley Williams, senior marketing major
Damise “It’s a time to remember the accomplishments of black people in history, and to encourage black people to move forward.” –Damise Paraison, senior, psychology major.
Lafayette “Black History Month is a reflection of our culture’s past. It’s a time to reflect on the foundation on which America was built. It’s an awareness month not only for other cultures but also for black people to learn about their own history. My family celebrates Black History Month by focusing on the family ties that our ancestors handed down to us. It’s not just about Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It’s about YOUR history as an African American.” -Lafayette Gerst, counseling graduate student.
 

- Krystan Hitchcock