Black History Month at the University of Lynchburg

Roanoke, Virginia – Black History Month is in February. Through a number of events, the University of Lynchburg is celebrating the diverse history, culture, and leadership of African Americans. The university is using this chance to teach its community, faculty, and students about the richness of Black history.

African Americans have contributed to the cultural, social, and political fabric of the country for millennia, playing a crucial role in its history.

“Black History Month is a celebration of all our predecessors, in my opinion. Some of those individuals were not given enough credit for their accomplishments and contributions to society as a whole. I think it’s critical to recognize them and impart knowledge to them as we go.
Christian Otero, a CHAMPS project manager and graduate student at the University of Lynchburg, added that it also serves to motivate the next generation.

The topic of the events being held at the University of Lynchburg is “Black Renaissance:
Embracing and Celebrating Black Culture and Identity.” It seeks to raise community understanding of Black history and emphasize the value of honoring their efforts all year long.
Our marginalized communities’ experiences are crucial, and we must elevate their voices so that we can concentrate on the problems that need to be addressed in order to improve our community. Alexis Scott, assistant director for student diversity initiatives, stated, “We cannot address their concerns and we leave a portion of our population behind if we aren’t amplifying those voices and missing out on those issues.”

According to Scott, these activities address the obstacles experienced by underrepresented students and demonstrate the University of Lynchburg’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB).

“We will improve lives by permitting these gatherings and making these locations safe places to have these discussions,” Scott stated.

“Every time Black History Month rolls around, I discover something new about another social activist or business owner. “I think that’s the same for different students here on campus, and they look to the past and think they can be someone like that too,” Otero said.

The following events will be held:

• Wednesday, Feb. 5: “Code Red” men’s basketball game, during which fans are asked to wear red. The game begins at 7:30 p.m., and the Hornets will play crosstown rival Randolph College. Admission is free.

• Saturday, Feb. 8: Lynchburg students, faculty, and staff will travel to Washington, D.C., where they’ll visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The daylong trip is free and includes transportation, museum admission, and dinner. Those interested in the D.C. field trip should contact Alexis Scott, at 434.544.8841 or scott_a@lynchburg.edu.

• Thursday, Feb. 20: A movie night, with the theme of “Cultural Insights Through Film,” will be held from 7-9 p.m. Admission is free.

• Saturday, Feb. 22: The Lead & Learn DEIB Summit, featuring a keynote speaker, breakout sessions, and a panel discussion, will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Speakers and panelists include, among others, Lynchburg alums Dr. Marcia Bennett ‘07 and Davion Washington Jr. ‘21. Admission is $15 for students and $30 for the general public.

• Sunday, Feb. 23: The annual gospel concert, a collaboration between Lynchburg and Randolph College, will be held at Randolph’s Smith Hall. Admission is free.

• Friday, Feb. 28: Lynchburg’s second Minority Business Expo, “Building Communities Through Partnerships,” will be held in Hall Campus Center’s Memorial Ballroom from 2-7 p.m. Admission is free, the public is invited, and light refreshments will be served. Vendors are invited to promote their businesses or organizations and sell their products and services. The cost to participate is $50 per table.

The JEDI Education Committee, the Student Activities Board, the Student Government Association, the Helen Mundy Witt Society, the African American Affinity Group, Hopwood & LaRue Catering and Events, the Junior League of Lynchburg, the NAACP, and student affinity groups all sponsor events during Black History Month.