As many look to celebrate Black History Month in February, many students around campus have felt dismayed as the University has done very little to acknowledge the celebration. While there are abundant events and recognition for Valentine’s Day, the campus remains bare of any events to celebrate Black History Month. BSU, the University’s Black Student Union, has not done much to commemorate this month either. Due to the University’s decision not to acknowledge Black History Month, students of color had many opinions regarding the controversy.
People have voiced their opinions emphasizing how important uplifting black voices is in a school curriculum. Many have participated in Black History Month celebrations in their adolescent years in school. To compare that to a college education, it’s especially crucial then to acknowledge such an impactful holiday to many. Diamond Bryant, a University student majoring in Film and Screen Studies, voiced their perspective as a senior, recognizing the increase of Black students at the University:
“I didn’t expect anything from Pace with it being a PWI [predominately white institution], but it would be nice, especially since I see a growth in the black population at [the University], for them to acknowledge it. I was proud to see the growth in colored people at Pace, but at the same time, they don’t really do anything to accommodate that.”
Given the increase of Black students, many assumed that the University would do more to recognize the month that impacts so many students. Several have voiced their disappointment in the University’s failure to acknowledge the month.
Nia James, a sophomore majoring in Adolescent Education, shares, “I hear Pace talk about diversity, equity and inclusion, but I haven’t seen any notice on Black History Month, or important black figures when Pace has a strong black student body. It’s a bit disheartening.”
Nadine Gaita, a University freshman expressed, “I am frustrated because it’s been Black History Month for 8 days now, and there are no decorations or anything. It seems like they don’t care about us. There should at least be an event to bring awareness to the month.”
One student criticized their experience in one of the courses that they took that focused on African American Literature: “I expected them to do the bare minimum… At least discuss it in classes, or decorate, to show some recognition for Black History Month. Even in my African American Literature class, I didn’t even get a “Happy Black History Month!”
University sophomore Chelsea White had more to add concerning BSU and their role in not acknowledging Black History Month, “BSU has a lot of work to do. As a black club run by black students, you’d think they’d do everything in their power to promote events to represent our month, but we have yet to see any of it, and we may not see it at all.”
Black Student Union has been criticized by a few students because of this matter. BSU has not held an official event celebrating the month and for the entirety of the month, only held one event, a panel, with YouTube star De’arra Taylor speaking. The University’s failure to speak out surprised many, but the Black Student Union, an organization for black students, failed to do anything to celebrate. This raised eyebrows for many students who are a part of that organization.
The University’s decision prompts a lot of discussion and reflection on their educational priorities. It highlights the ongoing challenge of creating an environment where all students feel represented, valued and engaged with the diverse narratives of American history and culture. Moving forward, hopefully, this controversy will spark positive change, and next year, the University and BSU can do more to commemorate Black History Month.
