The Bertha Harris Women’s Center celebrated Black History Month on February 27, where students discussed their experience with Black American History.

After viewing the short clip made by students and faculty of the Women’s Center, students mingled and had spirited discussions about their favorite icons in Black history. Watching the clip that CSI Associate Professor of History and Women’s Center Director Dr. Catherine Lavender [DP1] and others assembled provided students the opportunity to learn about the unknown aspects of their peers’ connections with these figures. Not only their peers’ but also these impactful figures who we may not have heard of, and what they mean to the commemoration of Black History Month.

During the event, there were discussions about a number of contemporary Black figures.

One involved the Grammy Awards debate between Cardi B and Travis Scott over who should have won best Rap Album in 2019. While students at the event were fans of Cardi B, some fans like James, a student at CSI who attended the event, believe Travis should’ve won.

“My brother is a huge Travis Scott fan, so Travis is one of my favorite artists, I felt some type of way when he didn’t win and Cardi B got it. She’s a phenomenal artist but I thought my man Travis Scott should’ve got it,” said James.

There were many other spirited conversations revolving around Black American culture, mentioning forgotten artists like Chamillionaire, current artists like Kanye West, and the battles between rappers Jay Z and Nas, or Jadakiss and 50 Cent. Others, like myself, were also interested in some of the other students’ favorite icons who aren’t discussed as much today like one student, Brianna, who spoke about one of her favorite jazz artists, Ella Fitzgerald.

Another student named Nathan also mentioned some of the hottest names in combat sports that he is a big fan of. “There are two women boxers who are the best women in boxing right now, Claressa Shields and Alycia Baumgardner,” said Nathan.

Black History Month can be celebrated year-round but the importance of the month itself cannot be overstated. Most things we enjoy in the U.S. today wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for the proliferation of Black culture. Events like this one provide everyone with a chance to expand their knowledge of Black history and learn how the world we live in was shaped by Black Americans who came before us.

By Kyle Cicero