Wright College Pays Tribute to Black History Month

By Wilfredo Razo

February highlights Black Americans for their achievements and history for equality known as Black History Month. Wilbur Wright College celebrates Black History Month with a walking museum, hosted by Keith Jones, an academic advisor. 

Each department creates an exhibit highlighting a person of African-American or Black descent, either in history or today. It is Jones’s 5th year hosting the walking museum. This year's theme is Rebels With a Cause: Disrupting the Status Quo.

The Advising and Transfer Center, in A-120, is contributing by presenting Black student transfer success stories. Photo Credit: Jenin Hattab 

The walking museum takes place when each department is finished, which is usually at the end of the month. Jones creates a scavenger hunt for students to walk through the exhibits.

Black History Month walking museum creates a caring campus, where students feel welcomed and supported. Jones said, “We do not have a committee this year. I am helping to organize it along with Dean Lisa Champs, Director Janetta O’Neill, Yesha, and Anita. It is a group effort.”

Black Student Union is a ratified and upcoming club at Wright College. They meet every 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month in S-201 at 1 p.m. Vice President, Abriel Simmons said the meeting is “Not just for black students, everyone is welcome to participate, we want to see a variety of students”. 

Jabrea Israel, faculty advisor, voiced, “Our goal is to foster and uplift voices of a smaller community.” The BSU provides a place for students to feel their racial identity, which also plays a role in their school identity, because “When there are less people that look like you, it’s harder. A place to be Black together.” 

Nicholas Cooper, the secretary, is a part of BSU because of his spirit for helping the community and “Offering a minority group opportunities to make connections. We are here to help students find the many resources offered to them”. 

Upcoming events for celebrating Black History Month is a community meet and greet, for Black students, faculty, and staff to deepen their relationship on Feb 11 from 12-1 p.m. in the faculty dining room. 

Black Student Union is hosting a Squid Games competition in the atrium located in the events building, on Feb 25 from 12-2 p.m. A Black Greek Step Show during the halftime of Wright College Rams basketball game on Feb 25th at 7 p.m. in the Wright College gymnasium. 

Black History Month Blood drive from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb 25 in the faculty dining area. Keep an eye out for posters around campus and your emails for any additional events Wright College is hosting in honor of Black History Month.