Black History Month important to SUU

Black History Month activities and celebrations are set to continue throughout the rest of February.

Earl Mulderink, professor of history, said it is important to recognize the various people who helped make America what it is today.

"I think it's important that our history be more inclusive, and this is one way to inform and educate people about the experiences and contributions of African Americans in our American history," he said.

Black History Month is an older holiday than many would suspect, Mulderink said.

"The founder of this movement was Carter G. Woodsen, who began the celebrations in the 1920s," he said. "In the 1980s, President (Ronald) Reagan signed legislation to make it officially Black History Month."

SUU has celebrated Black History Month for several years, and many organizations help make it happen, Mulderink said.

"The Multicultural Center makes sure we have the funding … and Jeb Branin always tries to have a Black-History-Month-focused Convocation in February," he said. "Kappa Alpha Psi is a black fraternity, the Black Student Alliance is going to be doing a panel next week, and our department helps to sponsor this by having academic oversight so students can gain credit if they follow through and go to the required activities."

Mulderink said registration for the one-credit class is closed.

"Many of the events are tied to the class we offer, but it is too late to get into either of them," he said.

All of the presentations deal with a single theme, Mulderink said.

"This year's theme is 'The Invention of Black,'" he said.

There are many opportunities for the community to get involved, Mulderink said.

"On (Tuesday) there is going to be a Convocation that is actually a play, and on (Feb.) 21 we'll have members of the Black Student Alliance discussing things like being a black student at a predominantly white institution such as ours," he said.

Christian Shiverdecker, a senior theatre education major from Manassas, Va., said Black History Month is a great way to honor the African-American community.

"It's nice to have and talk about different groups who have participated in shaping America," he said. "As an education major I know how important it is for us to recognize that there have been a lot of sacrifices made, especially with the civil rights movement, by the African-Americans."

Kinsey Christensen, a junior theatre arts major from South Jordan, said she did not agree.

"Sure, it's a good idea, but if I were black I wouldn't want the fact I was a minority rubbed in my face," she said.

Going to the events would be strange, Christensen said.

"I wouldn't go to any of the events because I would feel invasive because I'm not black and I don't have any black friends," she said. "People get so touchy about that sort of thing. You can't even be politically correct because some people think it's rude."

Utah has had some trouble in the past with celebrating some holidays, Mulderink said.

"Utah was the last state to accept and commemorate the Martin Luther King holiday," he said. "I think it is particularly important here in Utah to keep African Americans in our educations and our lives."

Shiverdecker said it was great to have an active African American community at SUU.

"I enjoy being in a population with African Americans who give a new perspective on these events and celebrations," he said.

There are many great events during the coming month, Mulderink said.

"The events are free and open to the public; and, hopefully there's something for everyone," he said. "The step show on (Feb.) 29 is one I strongly recommend, though there is a small admission charged."