WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., February 20, 2024 — West Liberty University’s Campus and Community Diversity Committee is honoring Black History Month with multiple events throughout February that encompass Black culture and elevate Black voices.
The month of events started at noon on Thursday, February 1, with the event titled “Gallery of Heroes.” Historical Black figures were placed in the Student Union Ballroom alongside a biography sheet for students, faculty, and staff to observe.
On Wednesday, February 7, WLU participated in The African-American Read-in, a nationwide program put on to encourage communities to read African American books and authors together.
“This is our 5th year hosting this program on campus as part of the Campus and Community Diversity Committee. We had campus and community members participate this year, which was wonderful to see! We hope that attendees are inspired by The African-American Read-in, and we can help create a bigger audience for black authors,” said Kate Billings, Director of Student Life and Title IX, and Chair of the Black History Month subcommittee.
This year, the newly established Black Student Union is holding a two-day basketball tournament on Tuesday, February 20th, and Thursday, February 22 at 7 p.m. in Blatnik Gym.
“It is an honor for us to be directly involved with the committee and being given the chance to represent black students on WLU’s campus,” said Black Student Union Secretary Ayesha Rizwan. “Many urban Black communities see the emergence of basketball as a cultural phenomenon. It is more than just a sport, it is a means of identity, expression, and creativity. Among Black communities, streetball grew ingrained in the culture. We are very excited to share this beautiful aspect of African American culture with everyone on campus,” Rizwan added.
On Wednesday, February 21, Aladdin Food Services is partnering with the subcommittee to hold a Black History Month Luncheon, highlighting chefs through their recipes’ presentation during lunch in the Bear’s Den.
The month of events will end on Wednesday, February 28, from noon – 2 p.m. in the Boyle Room with keynote speaker Rebecca Guillory Gilmer. Gilmer is an ordained minister presently serving members of marginalized communities in the Pittsburgh area, Rev. Gilmer has preached, delivered keynotes, led topical studies, facilitated events, coached, and consulted with various organizations in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. She participated in the WLU African-American Read-in delivering a compelling interpretation of the poem “Black Mother Praying” by Howard University Professor Owen Dodson. The closing event will include performances from the Hilltop Harmonic and African Drum led by Dr. Greco. Students Christoffer Wilson will serve as Master of Ceremonies, and Tay Currelly – Johnson II will perform a Spoken Word.
“Black History Month (BHM) is a part of American history and cannot be limited to one month. February offers an opportunity, each year, to honor Black culture, traditions, and hidden contributions. It is a time to be inspired, grateful, and to celebrate the promise of hope, pride, freedom, faith, and self-confidence, as noted in the Black National Anthem – Lift Every Voice and Sing (Weldon, 1900). To help propel our nation forward, we must accept the challenge of working toward a future free of discrimination and marginalization. I hope the campus and community will join us,” says Dr. Eveldora Wheeler, tenured Associate Professor in the College of Business, Director of General Studies and BOG/Regents Bachelor of Arts. Dr. Wheeler serves as faculty advisor for the Black Student Union. In addition, Wheeler chaired the inaugural BHM celebration and maintained that position until this year.
Activities for Black History Month were planned by a subcommittee of WLU’s Campus and Community Diversity Committee which includes Kate Billings, Dr. Eveldora Wheeler, Dr. Hilary Bougher-Muckian, and the Black Student Union President Christopher Barthelemy.
For more details about celebrating Black History Month at WLU, please email kate.billings@westliberty.edu.