On Tuesday evening, the Black Student Alliance of Saint Louis University presented “A Black History Month Celebration: Lifting Black Voices of the Past, Present and Future.” This event served as the opening ceremony for activities the BSA has planned throughout February to raise the awareness of and interest in black history and culture on SLU’s campus and in the greater community.

Many in attendance on Tuesday remarked on the significance of these events. BSA President Eddie Holman explained that this month is a “time for black students to reflect on their heritage and express their culture in order to have the SLU community share in that culture.”

Holman continued by stressing the point that the activities provide “great opportunities for learning outside of the classroom” for those students who know little about black history and culture.

Similar sentiments were echoed by other participants who emphasized the need for awareness and education since black history and culture make up a significant amount of American history in general.

Sophomore Sharonda Lewis said, “Black history is American history.” She explained that black history is not something in addition to American history; rather, it is such an integral part of the collective American history that to be ignorant of it would give a slanted understanding of the past.

The desire to provide students with knowledge and experiences they might not normally have access to is the motivation for scheduling activities throughout February.

On Feb. 4, the Black Law Students Association presents a lecture, “Driving While Black: Racial Profiling.” Reginald T. Shuford, a lawyer for the National Office for American Civil Liberties Union, will speak. It will be held at 12:30 p.m. at the William H. Kniep Courtroom inside the law school. A movie night will be held Feb. 8 beginning at 8 p.m. in Kelley Auditorium. The evening will begin with a showing of John Singleton’s film Higher Learning, followed by a discussion focusing on race relations at SLU.

On Feb. 16, an hour-long presentation, “Taking the Nguzo Saba into the New Millennium”, will take place in Notre Dame Lounge at 6 p.m. It will combine elements of Kwanzaa and African Dance. The following night, Feb. 17, actor Alfre Woodard will give the Black History Month keynote address in the St. Louis Room of the Busch Memorial Center at 7 p.m.

Feb. 19, African Awareness Day, will be celebrated by displaying examples of African art between 1 and 4 p.m. in the BMC Student Commons. Another movie night will be held on Feb. 21 at 8 p.m. in Kelley Auditorium. This time the movie will be “A Raisin in the Sun.”

Feb. 23 provides an opportunity for creative interaction among the members of the SLU community. A poetry night entitled “An Evening of Reflection and Creativity” will take place in the BMC Billiken Club from 7-10 p.m. All interested in participating should call 977-4453.

Finally, on Feb. 27, the Black History Month Awards Banquet will be held from 4-7 p.m. in the BMC St. Louis Room. Tickets are $5.

The overwhelming message expressed on Tuesday night was a desire to involve everybody from the SLU community in the variety of activities to be held throughout February.