Initially observed in 1976, every subsequent US president has upheld the annual tradition of Black History Month. Celebrated in academic institutions and community centers, the spread of the tradition is sizable and undeniable.

At University Prep, the Black Student Union has ideas of how students can get involved with Black History Month. A group with the goal of higher education, recruitment and professional development of black people, BSU hosts annual conferences in November where these interests are addressed directly. To get an idea of what happens here at UPrep specifically in respect to these issues, Senior and BSU leader, Lillian Bown, has insight on what to do and explains what BSU is.

“BSU is a safe affinity space,” she said. 

Bown also mentions the fear of misspeaking.

“People seem to be really afraid that they’ll say something wrong and that’s why we don’t talk about race that much. I encourage people to ask questions and not be afraid of being wrong. Participate in discussions, read books written by black people and go to meetings.” 

Rihan Delora, another BSU leader, echoes Bown’s words. 

“Continue to educate yourselves. Black history is all the time. Black people should be celebrated every day for their successes.”

Black History Month is a reminder of the prominence that black people have in the history of the United States. It serves as a moment to acknowledge the struggle of black Americans in this country and the impact they have had on our entire nation.