BSU Celebrating Black History Month
February is observed in several countries as Black History Month, but Bridgewater State University (BSU) is taking an extra step this semester to honor the legacy of trailblazers who paved the way to secure equal rights.
BSU is celebrating “A Century of Black History Commemorations” with a variety of events throughout the month. Some events have already taken place such as the Hall of Black Achievement event on February 4, which featured a reception honoring the 41 portraits of pioneers proudly displayed on the first floor of the Maxwell Library. Two events were held on February 11, with Black History Month Career Pop-Up in the afternoon and Black History Month Dinner in the evening to celebrate black culture and build a stronger community on campus. The dinner also featured a keynote speaker, Dr. Sheena Rodrigues, the Mayor of Brockton.
The expansion of Black History Month celebrations extends from February 23 through the 26, but it does not stop there. Director of Equity Jazzmyn Rodriguez is holding spring workshops through the end of April that feature fun experience-driven workshops and some that spark real-world conversation. On February 23, Rodriguez will hold a workshop called “How to Rap 101,” a workshop on what it is like being an MC and building your skills to write your own rap lyrics. The event will aid in building confidence, fostering community through a collective medium of creative expression, and sharing stories of students’ lives.
On March 2, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Rodriguez will hold a story-driven workshop, “Please Don’t Touch My Hair,” in room 103 of the Maxwell Library that builds students’ awareness to recognize and repair everyday words and actions in culturally healthy ways. On March 23 and April 20, Rodriguez will hold another workshop titled, “Can I Kick It?” in the Lewis and Gaines Center for Inclusion and Equity (LGCIE), an open, judgment-free space to talk about the struggles of everyday life, boundaries, culture, and how to heal with whatever you are carrying inside.
Through events on campus and workshops of open conversation, BSU will continue to celebrate the accomplishments that Black Americans have achieved.
