In commemoration of Black History Month, the YWCA hosted a Wednesday discussion about African-American women in history.

At Wednesday’s meeting, which took place in the Gold Room of the Memorial Union, two female speakers shared their experiences about how other black female figures have shaped their lives.

Brenda Jones, a design professor, said black artist Lois Jones influenced her life. “The reasons for little recognition in minority art is due to the way society perceives things to be,” Jones said.

“There are very few women prominent in the arts today as opposed to males. Different African-American artists have influenced me ,and I am at where I am today because of them. I also have to give credit to my father who also loved art,” Jones said.

Jones said every artist needs to have a passion for what he or she is doing.

“You have the responsibility to give to the present and the future what you have to offer,” Jones said.

Valarie Grim, a speaker from the University of Indiana and an ISU graduate, said one woman influenced her not to hate others.

“I am going to talk about an African-American woman who influenced my life. This woman is Fannie Lou Hamer,” Grim said.

“It takes a lot of energy to hate, so don’t waste time trying to hate others, this is one point that Hamer was trying to get across,” she said.

She said Hamer also addressed racial issues on college campuses.

“College campuses have many issues, including racial issues, and Fannie Lou Hamer addressed how she viewed racial issues,” Grim said.

“Fannie Lou Hamer asked people to look beneath their skin regardless of what color we are because we all have the same wants and needs underneath,” she said.

Grim went on to include some of her own opinions about racial issues.

“Any change we are going to make today in our lives is in our own hands,” Grim said.

Kevin Uphaus, an ISU student who attended the meeting, said he enjoys the YWCA’s weekly discussions.

“It is nice to be helpful to others at the YWCA. I have been to two or three meetings now and I enjoy the speakers,” he said.

Uphaus said he thinks education is an important part of dealing with diversity issues.