With Black History Month now over, Black students took the time to reflect on the month and its significance.
Several officers of the Notre Dame Black Student Association (BSA) offered their perspectives. Senior Corey Bowden is president of (BSA) and serves alongside senior vice president Izayah Edwards and junior outreach commissioner Nayi Osunbor.
“Black History Month isn’t just a celebration of a single moment in time, it’s a legacy that existed then, now and will continue to exist,” Bowden wrote. ”It is important now more than ever that we use this month to educate people about Black History, which is so closely intertwined into American History. Being knowledgeable about the past provides valuable lessons to help us shape a better and more inclusive, equitable future.”
Edwards expanded on Bowden’s points.
“It’s not just history, it’s a living, breathing narrative that influences the present and inspires the future,” Edwards wrote. ”But it shouldn’t stop at the end of February. It’s not just about remembering the past but also about making a difference now. It’s not just about celebrating but about keeping the momentum going and being the change you want to see. If we do that, Notre Dame will continue to be a place where history drives progress and unity grows through action.”
Osunbor spoke beyond Notre Dame, in consideration of the federal government.
“With everything happening at the federal level of government, it is more important than ever to focus on lifting each other up and celebrating one another, fostering a sense of unity that transcends political or ideological divides,” Osunbor wrote.
She then elaborated on how Black alumni impacted her this year.
“During the Black Excellence Dinner this past January, we were fortunate enough to hear from Don Wycliff. He told us his story of how he made his decision to come to Notre Dame and his journey here. Being in a room filled with so much wisdom was extremely inspiring,” Osunbor wrote.
Wycliff graduated from Notre Dame in 1969. He was a journalist.
“However, as a Black student on campus, that feeling isn’t always reflected throughout campus. This is why it is essential to use Black History Month not just as a time of celebration, but also as a catalyst for ongoing education and empathy,” Osunbor wrote. “We should be intentional about learning from one another, acknowledging the lived experiences of Black students and working to create an inclusive campus environment not just in February, but throughout the entire year.”
Students on the Diversity Council of Notre Dame also offered their perspectives. Senior Shelby Clennon is secretary of the council, and sophomore Kefina Wright is assistant chair of residential life and wellness.
“It’s important to educate the student body on Black history because of the political climate we are living in now,” Clennon wrote. “Without it, history will be erased and names forgotten, we can’t let that happen. Without Black History, everyone loses vital points of their history.”
Wright took on a different approach and reflected on her own experiences with Black History Month.
“In much of my past education, Black History Month was used as an excuse to not explore Black history in other parts of the year. To limit our education of black people and their contributions to this country and abroad is to lose sight of what the month is about,” Wright wrote. “It is not just an allotted time to celebrate Black contributions but rather an annual reminder to confront openly who we are as a country, recognize how Black stories are integral to that narrative and how we can use these lessons to continue to progress in the future.”
Wright continued: “Black history is American history, and so much more. Black history is not only about understanding prominent, well-known figures but also about understanding how our history has informed who we are today and who we can be tomorrow,” Wright wrote. “Black History Month should be part of a much larger conversation.”
Notre Dame hosted several events during Black History Month. Events included the series “That Just Isn’t Fair; Settling for Left-Overs,” which takes place from Feb. 6 to March 31. The series is a spotlight exhibit in Hesburgh Library room 102, featuring magazines from the 1970s of African American women activists and athletes.
On Feb. 27, “Policing in America” occurred, where David Cortez, assistant professor of political science, and Luis Fraga, professor of political science, conversed about the policing events that lead to the death of Tyre Nichols while discussing race and policing.
“I believe an informed student body is better equipped to engage in complex dialogue, advocate for change and justice in alignment with the Catholic mission and play a role in shaping a more equitable society and school community for all,” Bowden said.
