Black History Month began as Negro History Week in 1926 because of Carter G. Woodson who founded the Association for the study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH).
Woodson devoted his life to teaching blacks about their history and disproving the myths made by white historians.
“Truth must be dug up from the past and presented to the circle of scholastics in scientific form and then through stories and dramatizations that will permeate our educational system,” said Woodson in The Mis-education of the Negro.
This month people all across America and Canada will celebrate Black History Month in their own ways. Some will sing and dance to traditional African music, some will recite the infamous words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and all will take time to reflect back on those blacks who have molded American culture.
With celebrations such as Black History Month, we are reminded of the importance of studying our past because without education and reform, history has a way of repeating itself.
Each year, ETSU embraces Black History Month by hosting many events and activities paying tribute to the African-American community both past and present.
This year the celebration starts on Feb. 3 with the 2nd annual Proclamation Ceremony. The proclamation will be read by Duffie Jones, mayor of Johnson City, followed by remarks from ETSU’s own president, Dr. Paul Stanton, and performances by several students in the Culp Center Ballroom at 3 p.m.
On Feb. 4, there will be a Red, Black and Green Ribbon giveaway from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Culp Atrium. At 7 p.m. in the Culp Forum, Black Affairs will have guest lecturer Dr. David Swoope “to inspire and motivate students in today’s world.” Swoope is a motivational/inspirational speaker, educator and performer who will discuss overcoming adversity and dealing with the personal attributes one must posses while moving toward a positive, progressive and growth oriented life.
On Feb. 10, there will be a forum discussion in the Culp Forum from 3-5 p.m. on Civil Rights — “The Identity of the American Of African Descent in the 21st Century” led by Dr. Elwood Watson, an associate professor in the history department.
On Feb. 12, the famous game show Jeopardy will take place with the theme being Black American history trivia.
On Feb. 17, instead of a play that is usually brought to the university, there will be a Black Inventions museum exhibit from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. in the Culp Ballroom. The exhibit will have an array of black history artifacts and presentations.
This is only a handful of the many activities on the schedule for this month.
Though it’s impossible to plan something for everyday of February, Laura Terry, director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs, said, “Many things are planned throughout the month with more and more activities coming forth each day.”
The Multicultural Affairs office will also be in collaboration with the Gospel Ensemble, Black Affairs and the Greek organizations of Pan-Hellenic for different events during the celebration.
Terry said she hopes to increase participation “by making things more interesting by changing activities each year and spreading the word out much earlier through radio and flyers.”
For more information and a complete schedule of events, contact the Office of Multicultural Affairs on the third floor in the Culp Center or call 439-4210. To learn more about black history go to www.netnoir.net.

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