By John Lee
STARKVILLE, Miss.-- Black History Month has been going on for a couple of weeks now at Mississippi state, and the university has been putting on many different events and seminars to celebrate this historical time of year. Events were held on February 12th and 13th, being a panel discussion about black history education, and a historical lecture. More events will be held on February 18th, 19th, and 25th, such as the bi-annual state of Black Men Symposium, and an awards ceremony for African American history month for poetry. The Associate Director of Holmes Cultural Diversity Center, Timothy Hopkins, is advising this event and sees Black History Month as a way for people to see just how hard times were for African Americans back in the day.
"It shows in our history, but most importantly I think that it gives us an opportunity to learn those challenges that were faced prior to, so it gives as an opportunity again to develop and to educate ourselves on black history," Hopkins said.
Along with the events, places like the Mitchell Memorial Library has several exhibits up in areas like the John Grisham room, and the Special Collections area, showing off documents, clothing, and other things that belonged to historical African Americans that impacted history. Carrie Mastley, Manuscripts Librarian for MSU Special Collections, is a creator of one of the exhibits.
"Black history is one of those things that's kind of glossed over in the history books, so it's giving light to these marginalized communities showing off their successes,” Mastley said. "I feel like when black history is covered in the history books, it's usually about the oppression of these communities. This is highlighting the success. We have Myrna Colle Lee, how she's overcome oppression, and all the good work she's doing as a professional costume designer."
Black History Month is in full swing at MSU, and events like the college fair and Black Men Symposium are just a few of the many things going on, as part of one of the most important events for this historical month.
For more information on Black History Month events, you can click http://www.aas.msstate.edu/ .