Vibrant colors and African music filled the Ponderosa Room of the Nebraskan Student Union as students, staff and community members gathered for a celebration of African culture. Students representing Sudan, Nigeria and Somalia performed cultural dances and walked the red carpet in traditional clothing to honor their lineage.
February is Black History Month, a nationally observed commemoration of the contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout history. UNK’s Black Student Union, African Student Union and Upsilon eta Upsilon Honors Society for Black Excellence collaborated to bring a series of events honoring Black History Month to campus.
“Black history cannot be erased, and it’s going to be prominent throughout any history that comes,” said Godiva Kekeh, a junior studying criminal justice on the pre-law track. “Black history is all about uplifting one another and our communities.”
Kekeh is the vice president of both Upsilon eta Upsilon and the Black Student Union. She said Black History Month is an opportunity for the community to join in celebrating both past and future leaders from the Black community.
“There’s lots of Black leaders who are changing the future for all of us,” Kekeh said. “So, it’s important to recognize and help with those initiatives and celebrate our community through different things, whether it’s like food, gathering or an educational event.”
The festivities kicked off at the World Theatre with a showing of “Race,” a film depicting Jesse Owens’ groundbreaking journey to become one of the greatest track and field athletes of all time. The screening was followed by a panel discussion, where Kekeh and other students spoke about the film’s message.
Awab Elfawal, a senior majoring in cybersecurity, is the president of the African Student Union. Elfawal walked down the red carpet of the Met Gala with Raghad Elfawal in honor of their Sudanese heritage as the crowd clapped and cheered.
“I feel like this month just kind of reminds everyone of what this country is and what the people of this country went through, and what the people of my color went through back in the day,” Elfawal said.
Wedly Martin, a sophomore double-majoring in music education and music business, is the president of Upsilon eta Upsilon. Martin, who is originally from Haiti, is also a member of the African Student Union.
“I feel like it’s just a month where people should educate themselves, share and spread the word,” Martin said. “I know there is a sad history about the Black culture, but one thing we can do during Black History Month is show a way we can change it, and we can all learn from the past.”
Martin said that the month brings dedicated attention to Black achievement, but education on the history of African Americans in our country should extend beyond February.
“Every other day should be important for everyone,” Martin said. “Everybody matters, but having one month just to acknowledge us is really nice in a way that we can push the word forward.”
There will be more opportunities to celebrate Black History Month at UNK.
From 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 19, the Nebraskan Student Union Atrium will transform into a market promoting Black culture. The event will feature henna tattooing, bead-making, an art showcase and more.
Less than a week later, Y2K, also known as the Year 2000, is coming back to campus. From 8-10 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 23, students are invited to gather in the Nebraskan Student Union Ponderosa room for a celebration of Black icons who influenced a generation of culture, music and style.
The Y2K event will promote the music of one of Upsilon eta Upsilon’s own. Abraham Hoskins, a senior majoring in exercise science, will be performing at the event following the release of his album on Feb. 12.
Photos by Maryann Kassner / Antelope Staff
