In the spirit of community union black student organizations have combined forces to commemorate the month of February, Black History Month. With an emphasis on how the past has affected where we are today, CSUN’s Black Student Union made sure each day was enriched with culture all month long.
This year’s theme is the ‘reconstruction of the past, brought about the change we need today,’ said BSU President Eboni Blanche. ‘We thought about change and how it has brought about new perspective.’
‘It is time for us to learn about each other and know our history,’ she said.
Every black organization on campus, like the National Society of Black Engineers, Black Reign and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), is involved this year to help with all the different activities this month and for that Blanche is grateful.
‘Everyone participated’hellip;so it’s not just the BSU but it is every black union on campus, that really made everything come together.’
The fraternity brothers of Phi Beta Sigma kicked off with the first day by devoting their efforts to feeding the homeless in downtown Los Angeles’ skid row.
The opening ceremony, which was broadcasted on KPFK, introduced the community to black history and culture’s richness, Blanche said.
‘(It) really was and is the highlight of our events,’ said the BSU president. ‘The community gets a chance to see what we have to offer and hopefully it makes them want to get involved.’
The observance brought back keynote speaker Mandla Kayise, who’s co-chair of the Alliance for Equal Opportunity in Education and apart of University of California, Los Angeles’s Black Alumni Association.
‘Mandla is a powerful speaker,’ Blanche said. ‘She speaks on equality and unity which is what this month is all about.’
BSU Vice President Terrence Stewart said, February is a time of recognition, ‘acceptance and the importance of inspiration.’
‘This is a time of celebration for the progression of our culture,’ he said.
The upcoming weeks will incorporate various cultural aspects ranging from movies, plays and food to educational history of black Americans, hip-hop and the African Market Place.
Some of organizations that helped in planning the different events were the University Student Union, the Pan African Studies Department and Black Grad Committee.
The Mike Curb School of Cinema and Television and Film lent a hand as well, just last week it hosted a free play introduced by CSUN alumni both Thursday and Friday night called Radio Golf.
The performance, from playwright August Wilson, explored the heritage and experience of African-Americans.
Directors Jozben Barrett and Tyrone Davis both CSUN alumni agree that theatre needs to be shared with as many people as possible.
‘The issues in this play are relevant just as much today as they were back then,’ said Barrett.
Davis said theatre is a good way to expose people to different cultures.
‘The theatre is really educational,’ said Davis. ‘This play introduces the black experience to the audience while producing hope and the idea of a time for change.’
Today film and television producer, Reuben Cannon, who was casting director debut was with the film ‘The Color Purple’ will be discussing his career in the event ‘Producing Positive Results in the Television and Film Industry’ from 10 a.m. to noon in the Alan and Elain Armer Theatre in Manzanita Hall.
So far Blanche said she is happy with the results and hopes the success will continue through the month.
‘Each club brought something this year and because of that we have a variety of events,’ she said.
