BSU President Britney Anthony photo by Kyle Pequeno/Whetstone Contributor

By Ashely Richards (Whetstone Contributor)

Two Wesley College organizations plan to educate students about black history during the month of February, just as black leader Carter G. Woodson tried to educate the American people when he instituted Black History Month in 1976.

P.U.L.S.E and the Black Student Union plan several events during the month that encourage students to stop by the library or sponsoring trips.

Carter G. Woodson established Black History Month in 1976 to educate the American people about African American cultural backgrounds and reputable achievements.

Students can read some of the books included in a book display dedicated to Black History Month in Parker Library, including Overcome, Parting the Waters, and Protest at Selma.

During Martin Luther King Week (Jan.15-21), P.U.L.S.E. sponsored a King remembrance service in Wells Theater.

Starting Jan. 31, Black History Month quotes were hung around campus, along with “I Have a Dream” hands put up by the Black Student Union.

“This will be a way for students to remember what their goals or aspirations were as a child, just as Martin Luther King Jr. wanted,” said Brittney Anthony, president of BSU.

BSU also plans a Feb. 12 trip to Washington D.C.

For the last two years, BSU has made it tradition to have an event every week during Black History Month.

BSU sponsored a trip the week of Jan. 23 to see Red Tails, a movie about African American pilots in the Tuskegee training program.

“We felt this movie was not only educational but motivational,” Anthony said.

BSU also will sponsor a “Soul Food for the Thought” night at Dulany Hall on Feb 15,along with “Jeopardy” – where students can show off their knowledge of black history and win prizes – on Feb 21.

There are many ways the students can involve themselves this month, Anthony said.

“It is our mission to re-inform our peers about our past and encourage their future,” she said.

But honoring and learning about black history is not only for one month, Anthony said.

“People tend to think just because it is Black History month we need to show special recognition to African Americans only one time of the year,” she said. “That is not our statement. We pay homage to African Americans throughout the year, every week at our meetings and events.”