Black History Month 2021

Black Student Union at Inver Hills celebrates black culture

Every month is black history month from many diverse perspectives. But why is Black History Month celebrated in February? The story begins with Dr. Carter G. Woodson, one founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). Dr. Woodson first established Negro History Week during the second week of February 1926.

That week also features the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass—both men were already American symbols of freedom at the time.

Year after year during that celebratory week, black teachers in segregated elementary and secondary schools engaged their students in plays, pageants, famous speech recitals, essay contests and other commemorative activities. Black leaders and communities across the country came together to recognize and honor black history.

By 1976, the scope and passion of these ongoing celebrations had brought about a deep tradition and sense of racial pride, inspiring the ASALH to successfully petition the U.S. government to set aside the entire month of February as “the official observance of African Americans’ contributions to the history of the United States and world.”

Gerald Ford was the first U.S. president to officially establish and observe February as Black History Month. Ten years later in 1986, the House of Representatives and Senate designated the month of February as National Black History Month, which is observed February 1 to the last day of the month—February 28 this year.

Black Student Union at Inver Hills

Catima Wilson serves as a TRIO Student Support Services and EDGE academic advisor at Inver Hills. Catima also dedicates her time as an advisor to the Black Student Union (BSU), a student organization on campus.

“The Black Student Union is a cultural group where all students are welcome to join, celebrate and learn about black culture,” Catima said. “BSU also helps enhance awareness of racial diversity at Inver Hills. BSU empowers, supports, teaches self-advocacy, and promotes community and positive connections. BSU has been celebrating racial diversity at Inver Hills Community College for nearly 20 years!”

Important Black History Month links

Black History Month on History.com

Black History Themes on ASALH.org

Black History Month National Geographic Kids

Celebrating Black History Month: Smithsonian

Black History on Biography.com

BSU alumni, officer and advisor perspectives…

Catima Wilson

BSU has given me a sense of connection with our students who have the drive, determination, knowledge, and willingness to embrace and learn about black culture in several different forms. Their creativity, leadership, growth and overall sense of pride as BSU scholars give me the reassurance to know that our students will confidently reach their personal and educational goals despite any obstacles they may face.

We are a family in BSU at Inver Hills—and when one or more of our students graduate and move forward, we celebrate their success, but miss them dearly.

I appreciate Ms. Grace Jones [former BSU advisor; current co-advisor] for passing the baton to me as the BSU advisor for the 2020–2021 school year. I am honored to work alongside her and Jeremy Clark [Inver Hills academic advisor] as advisors and mentors, ensuring our BSU scholars are prepared and ready to soar in this thing called “life.”

Catima Wilson
BSU Advisor
TRIO Student Support Services and EDGE Academic Advisor
Inver Hills Community College

Grace Jones

In the fall of 2002, while working in the college bookstore, I was approached by Mozell Curry, the Black Student Union president at the time. Mozell asked if I would be the advisor for the BSU student club—I had only been at the college for one year and had no idea what this would all entail, but I said yes.

Seventeen years later, I have become a mother, mentor, friend and advisor to hundreds of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) students. It has been such an honor to serve in this role; it was an honor to fight to keep this position for as long as I did.

As my students have moved through their journeys in life, I know that I have played a role in their decision-making.

Grace Jones
BSU Co-Advisor
BSU Former Advisor (17 years)
Bookstore Customer Services Specialist

CeCe Farmah

My name is CeCe Farmah, and I’d like to major in law. To me, BSU is more than just a club; it’s a place where you can share your perspective and gain insight on the perspectives of others. BSU is a place where hearing the stories and opinions of others and discussing your own experiences can give you not only peace of mind and/or escape from the hardships we face in life, but also a way to initiate friendships with people that leave a positive impression on your life.

Black history to me is the unity of a group of people (some having outstanding accomplishments) who share similar backgrounds, culture-wise or in general.

CeCe Farmah
BSU President
Inver Hills Community College

Victor Harper

BSU meant a community for me. If you’re from out of state and coming to a new college, it’s usually hard to find a community, and the BSU welcomed me with open arms. Being in BSU introduced me to other cultures that I was uninformed about. Being there gave me the confidence and leadership skills that led to my current role as a leader at Apple.

A lot of things I learned from BSU I use at Apple till this day. To be honest, being in BSU was one of the best experiences of my life. And I wouldn’t trade anything for that experience. Getting through college as a young black man was already a rough journey for me. Being in BSU made that journey easier and gave me the chance to represent something bigger than myself.

Victor Harper
BSU Alumnus
Inver Hills Community College

Fatema White

My name is Fatema White, and I was a member of the BSU from 2005 to 2007, serving as president in my first year. My time with the BSU enriched my life in so many ways. I was introduced to the Pan African Conference that took place at Minnesota State University Mankato annually. The conference brought people together from all over the world to celebrate the greatness of who we are as a people during a time when there wasn’t much representation for black students in Minnesota.

While at the conference we were able to bring light to social injustices. We also had the pleasure of heading up a Prison Reform Panel discussion that focused on life of inmates before, during and after prison along with the effects that experience had on their families.

It was an honor to serve under our BSU advisor, Grace Jones, who fearlessly fought for us to have a voice as well as ensuring that there were activities and events that had positive representation for Black students. I am proud to say I was affiliated with such an amazing group!