BU Celebrates Black History Month

Every February, the citizens of the United States take time to remember the prominent pioneers and figures of African American culture by celebrating Black History Month. The Bluefield University campus community joined in the celebration this year with a variety of events.

“(This) is a time that sets aside and has been historically known as a time to reflect on and celebrate the achievements of African Americans,” said Sherelle Morgan, director of alumni relations and former advisor of the Black Student Alliance (BSA). “It’s a time to honor the significant roles that they played throughout history.”

BSA president Jewels Gray also spoke about the importance of this historic month.

“Black History Month is a time for the acknowledgment of how amazing and determined African Americans of the past and present were and are,” Gray said. “It gives everyone the chance to reflect on the wonderful accomplishments African Americans were able to attain, even while and after being oppressed and kept in captivity, as well as spotlight the wonderful achievements and footsteps that we have the luxury of following in today.”

As part of its celebration of Black History Month, Bluefield University hosted a Lunch and Learn about the Florida Highwaymen. The Florida Highwaymen was a group of 26 African American artists from the 1950s who specialized in painting the Florida landscape. George Brown, BU’s director of academic advocacy, presented an original Florida Highwaymen painting by Harold Newton during the Lunch and Learn. He also shared with participants how he came into possession of the priceless piece.

BU also hosted guest speaker Susie Green as part of the Black History Month celebration. Green helped restore Maple HIll Cemetery in Bluefield, VA, a segregated cemetery whose “Colored Section” had fallen into disrepair. Green spoke about the progress she and other volunteers made to restore the cemetery, including the addition of a memorial commissioned by Green placed on the site noting the names of more than 100 African Americans buried there whose gravestones were destroyed.

“It was impactful,” Morgan said about Green’s remarks. “There were a number of students and faculty that approached her after. It struck a chord with the folks in the room.”