OBU Sets Events for Black History Month

OBU is hosting several events during February in observance of Black History Month. The events are being coordinated by Kenneth Chapman, assistant dean of students.

The month of February is designated as Black History Month in the United States. It was originally founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a professor of history who earned his Ph.D from Harvard in 1912, as a week to celebrate and learn about the many achievements of African Americans here in America. The first black history month was celebrated at Kent State University in Ohio in the year 1970. In 1976 President Gerald Ford urged citizens to participate in learning about the many contributions that African Americans have made to our country.

"Celebrating black history at OBU is an opportunity to learn about contributions and accomplishments of African Americans," Chapman said. "It is also a chance to dialogue about the past while embracing the future together. One thing to remember is that America would not be what it is without the contributions of many people from different races, ethnicities and cultures. Likewise at OBU, we would not be the amazing university we are, without contributions from diverse people called by God and who live for Jesus Christ."

In observance of Black History Month, OBU is holding several events. On Friday, Feb. 21, at 10:00 a.m. in the lower GC, there will be an African American read-in. The event is co-sponsored by the OBU English department and the OBU diversity committee. Different readers will share literary works from various African American authors.

On Wednesday, Feb. 26 from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m., there will be a Diversity Student Involvement meeting in GC 222. All are welcome to attend.

On Thursday, Feb. 27 at 7:00 p.m. there will be a gospel music service in Stubblefield Chapel. The choir from Galilee Baptist Church in Shawnee will be singing. Everyone is invited.

For questions about these activities, contact Kenneth Chapman, assistant dean of students, at (405) 585-5282 or kenny.chapman@okbu.edu.