Signifying the beginning of Black History Month students gathered on the Matador Bookstore lawn to welcome in the month filled with speakers, performances and community interaction.

The ceremony, which was held by the Black Student Union (BSU), celebrated the African American culture and encouraged all students to attend other events throughout the month.

‘I want people to take away knowledge,’ said Black Student Union Vice President Terrence Stewart. ‘We are all here to uplift and encourage.’

Stewart said the ceremony was a representation and celebration of African-American culture is and one of the reasons why the BSU was established.

‘I’ve been coming to the ceremonies since I was a freshman and any support for our black community is good,’ Christopher Thompson, junior, business major.

Other black organizations and clubs also contributed to the event. There were speakers from: National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Black Graduation Committee and Sigma Gamma Rho.

‘They’re interested in celebrating Black History Month, which will get me to be more interested,’ said Autum Dixon, freshman, undecided major.

The clubs and organizations have several upcoming events including: an Apollo Night, Hip Hop Game, African Marketplace, Dance for Drums as well as others.

Stewart said students should look at the Black History Month calendar for more information on events. He said the calendars will be available this week.

‘The event is very informal. They are telling us right away what will be going on for the rest of the month,’ said Jesse Hawkins, junior, music major, who attended the event with his Pan African Studies class and their professor.

‘I will probably go to a few of the events for classes and I might go to some for myself,’ Hawkins said.