What the BSA wants OBU to know about Black History Month

“Black history is American history,” Destiny Temple [she/her], a senior Political Science major with a minor in Psychology, said. February is Black History Month and is the perfect opportunity to listen to voices in the Black community. This month the Black Student Association (BSA) has coordinated a plethora of events focused on highlighting and educating about the Black community. Temple is the Social Chair for the BSA and has been actively involved in the events.

“So far, I have enjoyed the 90’s Skate Party, Jazz Poetry Night, and the unveiling of the Walter Mason Jr. tribute, because these are all events that highlighted black excellence, which I feel is the embodiment of Black History Month,” Temple said. These events were advertised for all of campus to participate in. They have created an open space for their peers to learn from them and to better understand how they feel and think.

“It is so important to learn and educate yourself on the things happening around you and the people who cross your paths that you may be so quick to judge because, for one, you don’t know their story and might actually be very surprised at what you find out. Honestly other than that, I would say fight for what you believe in. Whether that is at the expense of others by fighting for what you believe in or setting the example for the change you want to seek in the world,” Temple said. The BSA has worked diligently to be open and honest with the Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) community, and they are more than willing to have conversations about the Black community.

“I hope that the OBU populous would learn from the BSA during Black History Month that the African American students on this campus matter and the best thing we all can do as a populous is to just learn and educate yourselves on the interworking of Black history and the current history to help those around you who don’t look like you,” Temple said. Brock Brown [he/they], the president of the Black Student Association, spoke at the unveiling of the Walter Mason Jr. tribute earlier this month, and so far, he has enjoyed the unveiling of the exhibit most. They are actively working to help educate the OBU community.

“I chose to be a part of the BSA because as an incoming freshman attending a PWI [predominantly white institution], I had longed for a community of people who looked just like me. I wanted to be in a group of people that uplifted, affirmed, and celebrated each other. The BSA became my extended family!” Brown said. They want for the OBU community to ask questions, learn and grow toward a better future that not only acknowledges but proudly appreciates the Black community.

“First, to the Black students on Bison Hill: it’s OK to be Black! Live authentically in the beautifully melanin skin that God has placed you in! Know that you’re seen by The God Who Sees! Second, to the OBU community: love and cherish your Black friends! Lend your ears to them when no one else will, lift them up when they’re down, defend them when they are under attack, and never stop encouraging them. Third, Black Lives Matter!” Brock said. Black History month is an amazing opportunity for those that are not a part of the Black community to ask questions, listen, and learn.

“To me, Black History Month means setting aside time to gain knowledge from the past, honor and celebrate knowledge in the present, and plan accordingly for the future so that the next generation would carry said knowledge onward,” Brock said. Even though Black History Month is only the month of February, it is not the only time to celebrate and learn from the Black community. Let us not forget after February has passed that we need to be continually listening, learning, and appreciating the Black community all around us.