The Barometer Online

Issue date: 2/26/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Curtis Barnard The Self Enhancement Inc. drum line performed at the Black History Month dinner in the Memorial Union Ballroom Wednesday evening.

The OSU community came together last night in the MU ballroom to celebrate Black History Month over dinner.

"The purpose of the Black History Month dinner is to feed the campus and community physically, mentally and spiritually of black culture, both past and present," said Arya Morman, a sophomore in pre-pharmacy.

The significance of Black History Month goes beyond just celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Malcolm X and other great African-American leaders. It deals with recognizing how far African-Americans have come, and this progress has come with time. Black History Month allows others outside of the African-American race to acknowledge these accomplishments.

"The dinner is used to negate the stereotypes and promote the truths through food, entertainment and fellowship. Black History is American history, therefore it should be celebrated by all," said Jonathan Riley, a senior in business.

The night started off with a welcoming from Torrey Thille followed by the Black National Anthem, sung by Lachelle Humphrey. Entertainment was provided by the Self Enhancement Inc. drum line and choir. Speeches were also given from the SEI students. A slide show was presented with African-American leaders and their accomplishments.

"The Black History Month Dinner is an annual event that the Lonnie B. Harris Black Cultural Center puts on. It serves as a time to bring students and community members together and educate them about black culture as well as celebrate Black History Month," said Brittany Joseph, a junior in pre-nursing.

People indulged in conversation while eating baked chicken breasts, pasta, red beans and rice, salad and cake. After dinner SEI continued with the entertainment and the night ended with a closing statement from Brittany Joseph and Teressa Hartly.

"I think that it's important to have big events such as these so that students who aren't that comfortable visiting the cultural centers can go to a bigger event with more people," Joseph said.

The dinner was presented by The Black Student Union and The Black Cultural Center, who gave a special thanks to Derrick Harris, the MU staff, Counseling and Psychological Services, the ethnic studies department, SEI and volunteers.



Quanaje Hampton, staff writer

news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools