Black History Month is taking place this February and it serves as a pivotal month for many students across campus.

Negro History Week was established in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, an African-American educator. In 1976, thanks to the Civil Rights Movement and growing awareness, Negro History Week evolved into Black History Month, which is dedicated to recognizing achievements by African-Americans and the importance of their role in shaping the United States.

“[Black History Month] helps African-Americans to be proud and look back at our culture and have something here in America,” said Malik Burton, sophomore in speech communication and member of Black Student Alliance.

“Something for us that we cannot worry about looking bad or looked at in a negative manner. It gives us a chance to look back and have true pride and enjoy where we came from and gives us a jump start of where we need to be.”

The contributions African-Americans have made and are making in America’s history provide reason for celebration and recognition. 

“When we look at the contributions that African Americans have made in society, when we look at it historically and the contributions that are being made in present day and when we think about the younger generation and the hope we are giving for them today, they are things to celebrate,” said Kenyatta Shamburger, director of multicultural student affairs.

Events and activities such as panel and book discussions, films opportunities, games and themed meals are happening all across campus.

“There are a variety of activities for wherever or however people want to get involved or engage in Black History Month that can appeal to many different interests that people have,” Shamburger said. 

Events include the following:

• Monday includes Veritas Forum, “Toleration and Justice in a Broken World” led by Alex Tuckness, professor of political science, at 6 p.m. in the Sun Room of the Memorial Union.
• Wednesday will feature a performance by comedian Kenan Thompson at 8 p.m. in Stephens Auditorium with a $20 fee.
• Wednesday will also include Black Achievement Series, interactive awareness display from noon to 2 p.m. in the Memorial Union north stairwell.
• Thursday will feature the panel “Sister, Sister: Black Women as Activists in Civil Rights and Social Justice Movements Today” hosted by Natasha Croom, professor of education, Lorraine Acker, program coordinator of the Margret Sloss House and Audrey Kennis, program coordinator for design, at 7 p.m. in 268 Carver.
• The Social Justice Summit will take place 6 to 9 p.m. Friday in the Sun Room of the Memorial Union and from 9 a.m. to 4 pm. Saturday at the Sunstream Retreat Center. 
• Soul Food Sunday will take place at 5 p.m. Feb. 21 in Legacy Tower. 
• The movie “Race” will be featured Feb. 22 at Cinemark Movies 12. The time is yet to be announced, and the cost is $8.50. 
• Betty Andrews, president of the Iowa-Nebraska NAACP State Area Conference of Branches will lecture at 6 p.m. Feb. 23 in 205 Carver.
• The Black Achievement Series, which is an interactive awareness display, will take place from noon to 2 p.m. Feb. 24 in the Memorial Union north stairwell.
• A book reading and discussion on “The Meaning of Freedom: And Other Difficult Dialogues” will take place at 4:10 p.m. Feb. 29.