MEREDITH RODRIGUEZ
Assistant Living Editor
February marks Black History Month, a month in honor of the people, today and in the past, who have contributed to this country’s rich black heritage. Pepperdine’s Black Student Union intends to share its pride with the university by celebrating the month with food, discussions and vivid art.
Throughout the month, the rock will be painted, the Freedom Wall will be decorated and Soul Food will be served to hungry students.
This month will not only be a month of celebrations. It will be one of education and introspection, according to BSU president Dinar Galley and BSU Black History Month Chair, Kyle Gardener.
Yesterday, month-long celebrations kicked-off with a discussion called, “A Look in the Mirror,” intended to encourage members of BSU to look internally instead of externally, at black relations toward each other, discussing “the way we act toward one another and label one another,” Galley said.
“Asking ourselves what African Americans owe to our own progression, instead of looking outside for help.”
The overall theme of the month is “Past, Present and Future,” according to Gardner. This month is a time to ask, “How far have we come as African Americans and how much farther can we go?” Gardener said.
The pictures to be posted in the cafeteria, which in the past, have created controversy, will steer clear of controversial topics this year, Gardener said.
“That’s kind of our focus,” Gardener said. “Two years ago, a couple of things drew a lot of negative attention toward BSU.”
This year the pictures will feature members of BSU posing like famous black people from both the past and present, for example, Janet Jackson’s famous picture on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine.
Galley said she hopes this will spark the interest of students who may not be interested the Black History Month lectures and convocations.
“Lecture series, convocations, a lot of times people will tune it out, but this is something people will stop and look at because they’re interested,” Galley said of the photo exhibit.
Another event with an extended and open invitation to the entire school is the annual Soul Food tasting Saturday at 6 p.m. In previous years, BSU has had the food catered, but this year, platters will be filled with home-cooked food. The event will take place in the courtyard of Lovernich Apartments.
“Everyone’s invited,” Galley said. “All of our events have always been open to the public.”
SGA President Leon Dixson said Black History Month is an important one for him because it sheds light on the countless accomplishments by black Americans, which often get overlooked.
“You see on TV that many times the African Americans you see are athletes and entertainers,” Dixson said. “During this month you find out about some other accomplishments in the African American community.”
For example, Dixson pointed out the countless African American writers in history. He added that the month is important not only so that African Americans can learn to share their culture with the world but also with themselves.
“We can’t show the world who we are if we don’t know who we are,” Dixson said. “Much of the world doesn’t know the accomplishments we’ve made.”
Junior Breanna Curry, a political science major, pointed out that all too often the accomplishments by minorities are overlooked in history books.
“Sure you might know who Martin Luther King or Cesar Chavez is, but do you know who Lewis Latimer or Harry Gamboa are?” Curry asked.
Both Dixson and Gardner said that while Pepperdine is making an effort to be an inclusive campus, there are many strides left to take. While Pepperdine, has been increasing its ratio of minority students, “not to just get numbers but quality students,” Dixson said.
Gardner pointed out that the retention rate for African Americans is the lowest of any racial-group at Pepperdine.
Gardener, who also works as a BSU liaison with the Intercultural Affairs office, said the office is trying to figure out why. A survey taken by the Intercultural Office shed light on one disturbing truth that could provide one element to the answer. The survey taken last year, asked “How would you rate inclusivity on campus?” Those who checked that they were racial minorities rated Pepperdine’s campus as less inclusive, while Caucasians said it was more inclusive, according to Gardner.
Gardener added that the implementation of the Intercultural office is a big step in the right direction.
“There are some issues,” Dixson added. “But I would definitely say that Pepperdine is making an effort to embrace all different cultures.”
While inclusivity is a goal for which many seem to want to strive, both Curry and Galley said that at the same time, people must not forget the value of separate races.
“Lots of times, race is seen as a dirty word and culture is something we don’t want to talk about and don’t want to see,” Galley said. “Instead we need to celebrate different cultures as one beautiful people.”
Curry agreed.
“I never bought into America being a melting-pot. I much more prefer the salad bowl analogy,” she said. “We are all different, we have all had different experiences, but added together it makes this wonderful mix.”
02-02-2006