Together we triumph
On Friday February 24 St. Francis College hosted an evening to celebrate Black History Month that brought out staff and students alike.
Successful events such as this one at St. Francis College have encouraged its students to learn about and value the diverse history and way of life of others. To observe Black History Month, the students of SFC held this dinner to commemorate the long road of African-American pioneers and show respect for the sacrifices of their ancestors. The dinner allowed others to gain knowledge and share pride in the culture.
The event was presented by various student organizations of St. Francis College such as The African Culture Club, Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority Inc, The Haitian Student Association, My Brother’s Keeper, Higher Better Movement, and Epsilon Sigma Phi Sorority Inc.
The challenges the black population have had to overcome through the years may have seemed insurmountable for a long time, but the progress made is undeniable. There was a time in history when African-Americans were not allowed to vote, eat in the same restaurants as whites, or receive equal wages for employment. They have fought for the human rights, civil liberties, and educational possibilities that they receive today.
February has been indentified with Black History Month since the 1920s. Dr. Charles Goodson, the second African-American man to graduate from Harvard University, formulated the idea. Black History Month was originally called Negro History Week until Goodson, along with the first black fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, sensed that a week would no longer suffice. Throughout the fifties and the climactic sixties African-Americans were beaten, jailed, and murdered. Those injustices were taking place because there was an uprising. Families marched, sang, prayed, demonstrated, and risked their lives so the future generation could receive an equal education, and obtain the same rights as every American.
The evening began with a slideshow of African-American history. The visuals showed the lynching, burning, and brutality committed against African-Americans. SFC student and performer Anne V. Edouard graced the audience with a customary dance to Whitney Houston’s I Have Nothing. A traditional African dance was performed by the ladies of Epsilon Sigma Phi. In addition, SFC student and poet Brian Hibert spoke words about sisters loving themselves a little more, while Asha Stevens entertained with the historically African-American anthem Lift Every Voice and Sing.
Food has always been an important expression of love, peace, joy, and family in the black community. There was the food which consisted of American, African-American and Haitian dishes such as pasta, stewed, and barbequed chicken, Haitian Griot (pork shoulder), and various flavors of rice. The most vital ingredient in food is love, which was felt in every mouthful of food at this occasion.
Speakers Kepler Auguste and Sade Falebita filled the evening with the spirit of enjoyment and recognition. There was a sentiment of acceptance and understanding throughout the evening. The plight of their ancestors was honored during the festivities.
Next February of 2013, Black History Month will return with even more fervor and pride. St. Francis students readily meet challenges daily, but continue to create history. The college will have more future professional athletes, scholars, and leaders beginning an educational journey within its classrooms. Sports players will score winning points, academic scholarships will be awarded, careers, will be rising and African-Americans will continue to produce history.
Successful events such as this one at St. Francis College have encouraged its students to learn about and value the diverse history and way of life of others. To observe Black History Month, the students of SFC held this dinner to commemorate the long road of African-American pioneers and show respect for the sacrifices of their ancestors. The dinner allowed others to gain knowledge and share pride in the culture.The event was presented by various student organizations of St. Francis College such as The African Culture Club, Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority Inc, The Haitian Student Association, My Brother’s Keeper, Higher Better Movement, and Epsilon Sigma Phi Sorority Inc.
The challenges the black population have had to overcome through the years may have seemed insurmountable for a long time, but the progress made is undeniable. There was a time in history when African-Americans were not allowed to vote, eat in the same restaurants as whites, or receive equal wages for employment. They have fought for the human rights, civil liberties, and educational possibilities that they receive today.
February has been indentified with Black History Month since the 1920s. Dr. Charles Goodson, the second African-American man to graduate from Harvard University, formulated the idea. Black History Month was originally called Negro History Week until Goodson, along with the first black fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, sensed that a week would no longer suffice. Throughout the fifties and the climactic sixties African-Americans were beaten, jailed, and murdered. Those injustices were taking place because there was an uprising. Families marched, sang, prayed, demonstrated, and risked their lives so the future generation could receive an equal education, and obtain the same rights as every American.
The evening began with a slideshow of African-American history. The visuals showed the lynching, burning, and brutality committed against African-Americans. SFC student and performer Anne V. Edouard graced the audience with a customary dance to Whitney Houston’s I Have Nothing. A traditional African dance was performed by the ladies of Epsilon Sigma Phi. In addition, SFC student and poet Brian Hibert spoke words about sisters loving themselves a little more, while Asha Stevens entertained with the historically African-American anthem Lift Every Voice and Sing.Food has always been an important expression of love, peace, joy, and family in the black community. There was the food which consisted of American, African-American and Haitian dishes such as pasta, stewed, and barbequed chicken, Haitian Griot (pork shoulder), and various flavors of rice. The most vital ingredient in food is love, which was felt in every mouthful of food at this occasion.
Speakers Kepler Auguste and Sade Falebita filled the evening with the spirit of enjoyment and recognition. There was a sentiment of acceptance and understanding throughout the evening. The plight of their ancestors was honored during the festivities.
Next February of 2013, Black History Month will return with even more fervor and pride. St. Francis students readily meet challenges daily, but continue to create history. The college will have more future professional athletes, scholars, and leaders beginning an educational journey within its classrooms. Sports players will score winning points, academic scholarships will be awarded, careers, will be rising and African-Americans will continue to produce history.