BSU expands awareness efforts during Black History Month
Black Student Union President Terrell Parker said the organization puts so much time and effort into Black History Month because it’s important to recognize the contributions of black Americans. "It is easy for Black History Month to be overlooked on a predominately white campus," said Parker, a junior.
"People tend to get caught up in the negatives, such as slavery, and this is a time to celebrate the good and what African-Americans have contributed."
During the month of February, the BSU launched "The BSU Blitz," a program the organization started last year. This effort included sponsoring an event for each week of Black History Month, including two social events, The Dating Game and last week’s fashion show.
BSU also participated in Tunnel Vision and Tuesday’s event Things Aren’t Always Black and White, a discussion led by the group.
BSU member, sophomore Keyonna Farris said Black History Month is a good time to get familiar with heritage and history.
She said it is a time to look back on the influential people who have made a difference.
Junior Juan Hyde said it’s important for everyone to realize that what is celebrated this month is not just important to blacks.
"It is American history, not just black history," he said.
Hyde said the election of President Barack Obama marks a step towards the world Martin Luther King Jr. envisioned. He said it is important for every generation, and race, to know history.
"There will always be some racial tension, but things are changing," said Farris. "Franklin College is working hard to help prevent racial problems."
Sociology professor Sara Bradley said the percentage of black students enrolled at Franklin has stayed between three and four percent during the last 10 years.
The percentage of multicultural students, sans international students, has hovered at about five percent during the last five years.
Black Student Union is open to anyone, Farris said.
"BSU is a place where any student can get their voice heard. We don’t look at race. We look at a person’s character," she said.
