“Celebrating Black History affords us all an opportunity to deepen our understanding of past events which, in turn, broadens our perspective about the present,” said Juanita Taylor, diversity retention coordinator and office manager for AU’s Cultural Resource Center (CRC).
Every February, AU students participate in campus events to commemorate Black History Month. Taylor has worked alongside Chief Diversity Officer Michael Thigpen in planning this year’s events put on by the CRC and the Black Student Association.
“This month, we are celebrating Black History Month, and honoring a trailblazer in history, Cicely Tyson,” said Taylor.
Cicely Tyson was an American actress and fashion model who passed away late last month. According to the New York Times, her portrayal of “strong African-American women shattered racial stereotypes in the dramatic arts of the 1970s, propelling her to stardom and fame as an exemplar for civil rights.”
“In recognition of this icon in American history, we are featuring two of her movies—‘Sounder’ and ‘The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman’—both available to view on YouTube,” said Taylor.
Taylor stressed that the campus events commemorating Black History Month don’t stop there.
“We are also inviting the campus to join a two-part discussion of Austin Channing Brown’s book ‘I’m Still Here,’” said Taylor. “Our first book discussion took place on Feb. 12. It was an intimate and enlightening conversation about chapters one through four.”
The next discussion is being held via Zoom on Friday, Feb. 26.
“Black History Month is an occasion to be intentional in our commemoration of the contributions of African Americans throughout history,” said Taylor. “The more we know, the more we grow.”