Lipscomb celebrates Black History Month
This February, the Office of Intercultural Development focuses on African Americans and the right to vote through activities and learning opportunities
Cate Zenzen |
February is Black History Month, and the Lipscomb Office of Intercultural Development has packed it with activities, spotlights, and special events to celebrate and honor African Americans who have shaped this country for the better. This year’s celebration will focus on African Americans and the vote, a right this community did not have until fairly recently.
“In this year of an upcoming election, it’s imperative to teach our students the importance of history, because it wasn’t that long ago when African Americans and women were unable to vote,” said Laia Jones, Immigration Compliance Officer and PDSO. “We need to be aware of how far we’ve come and how far we still have left to go. There is still voter suppression, and it is up to us to be mindful of voting as a privilege and remind younger generations to exercise their right.”
Throughout the month, the OID newsletter will be highlighting students and professors who are representing Lipscomb through campus and community involvement. Students are also encouraged to test their knowledge with the Black History Month Question of the Day. Campus dining service Sodexo is celebrating as well with themed lunches in the Bison cafe each Wednesday this month, featuring cuisines with Creole, African and Caribbean origins.
Other events this month include;
- Wednesday, Feb. 5, the OID and Black Student Union invite students to a special viewing of “Just Mercy” at Regal Hollywood 100 Oaks Theatre. Featuring Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx, the drama follows young lawyer Bryan Stevenson as he represents the wrongly condemned in Alabama courts. Movie starts at 7p.m. and $5 tickets can be picked up in the OID.
- Wednesday, Feb. 12, the Black Student Union encourages students to join them as they volunteer with the Nashville Rescue Mission from 4:30-7 p.m. The ministry is a Christ-centered community committed to helping the hungry, homeless and hurting through specialized programs and services.
- Tuesday, Feb. 18, the OID will host a Black Lawyers Panel in Zebi’s Lounge at 6 pm. Students Josiah Jordan and Meredith Crockett will moderate a panel of professionals as they discuss their years of experience working in law, and what civil rights means to them and why they are important. In addition, panelists will share how to make knowledge of laws more accessible, and how Black organizations and citizens have used the law to gain equality or civil rights.
- Tuesday, Feb. 25, the Black Student Union and Student Activities Board are hosting a Black History Trivia Night in the Student Center at 6:30 p.m. Teams of four are invited to test their knowledge for a chance to win a prize.
The OID offers many outlets to get involved on campus. MASK Chapel takes place each Thursday in Shamblin Theater, and the website The Community displays a full list of events and clubs for students to take advantage of including the Black Student Union, the W.E.B. Du Bois Intercultural Honor Society, and Raíces.
The goal of the Office of Intercultural Development is to unify, uplift, and educate students on the benefit of ethnic and cultural diversity. The trained staff is proud to serve as an advocate for underrepresented students, and committed to fostering an inclusive environment. The OID is dedicated to cultivating a safe and flourishing community for each and every student on campus, no matter the background. To find out more visit the Lipscomb Office of Intercultural Development website or The Community.