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CSU celebrates Black History Month with music, food and history

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African American cuisine at CSU’s Celebrate Black History event in the student center on Thursday, Feb. 1.
African American cuisine at CSU’s Celebrate Black History event in the student center on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. (credit: Koya Ball)
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Local DJ Shonny Mac bringing the vibes at CSU’s Celebrate Black History event in the student center on Thursday, Feb. 1.
Local DJ Shonny Mac bringing the vibes at CSU’s Celebrate Black History event in the student center on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024 (credit: Koya Ball)
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Students and Faculty line dance to the song Wobble, which is played by DJ Shonny Mac at CSU’s Celebrate Black History event in the student center on Thursday, Feb. 1.
Credit: Koya Ball Students and Faculty line dance to the song Wobble, which is played by DJ Shonny Mac at CSU’s Celebrate Black History event in the student center on Thursday, Feb. 1.
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Two students from Shaw High School’s Cosmetology Department give hand and arm massages at the Let Freedom Ring Solidarity day exhibit in Berkman Hall on Thursday, Feb. 1.
Two students from Shaw High School’s Cosmetology Department give hand and arm massages at the Let Freedom Ring Solidarity day exhibit in Berkman Hall on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024 (credit: Koya Ball)
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People grab food at the Pamper day event at CSU’s Africana Studies Department on Thursday, Feb. 1.
Guests enjoy the food at the Pamper Day event at CSU’s Africana Studies Department on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024 (credit: Koya Ball)
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A sign advertises the Protest to Progress exhibit in Berkman Hall’s first-floor atrium on Thursday, Feb. 1.
A sign advertises the Protest to Progress exhibit in Berkman Hall’s 1st-floor atrium, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. (credit: Koya Ball)
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CSU President Laura Bloomberg gives a speech introducing the Protest to Progress exhibit in Berkman Hall’s first-floor atrium on Thursday, Feb. 1.
CSU President Dr. Laura Bloomberg introduces the Protest to Progress exhibit in Berkman Hall’s 1st-floor atrium on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. (credit: Koya Ball)
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CSU Vice President of Divison of Student Belonging and Success, Dr. Tachelle Banks, gives a speech at the opening of the Protest to Progress exhibit in Berkman Hall’s first-floor atrium on Thursday, Feb. 1.
CSU Vice President of Divison of Student Belonging and Success Dr. Tachelle Banks gives a speech at the opening of the Protest to Progress exhibit in Berkman Hall’s 1st-floor atrium on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. (credit: Koya Ball)
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CSU Africana studies director, Dr. Thomas Bynum, gives a speech at the opening of the Protest to Progress exhibit in Berkman Hall’s first-floor atrium on Thursday, Feb. 1.
CSU Africana studies director Dr. Thomas Bynum speaks at the opening of the Protest to Progress exhibit in Berkman Hall’s 1st-floor atrium on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. (credit: Koya Ball)
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Students and faculty grab food at the Protest to Progress exhibit in Berkman Hall’s first-floor atrium on Thursday, Feb. 1.
Students, staff and faculty enjoy the food at the Protest to Progress exhibit in Berkman Hall’s 1st-floor atrium on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. (credit: Koya Ball)
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By KOYA BALL - posted February 14, 2024

To Celebrate Black History Month, CSU’s Office of Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement hosted a Black History Month celebration across campus on Thursday, Feb. 1.

The event featured food spreads of African American cuisine, mac and cheese, candied yams, soul rolls and sweet potato pies.

Sounds from DJ Shonny Mac brought attendees together to dance and celebrate community, a tradition among African Americans today.

The Africana studies department hosted a Let Freedom Ring Solidarity Day event, where Shaw High School’s cosmetology team gave out hand and arm massages.

The day ended with the opening of the Protest to Progress exhibit in Berkman Hall’s first-floor atrium. The exhibit reflects on the history of CSU set against the backdrop of the the American civil rights movement in Cleveland.

CSU President Dr. Laura Bloomberg, Vice President of Divison of Student Belonging and Success, Dr. Tachelle Banks, and Africana Studies Director Dr. Thomas Bynum gave speeches at the opening.

The U.S. celebrates Black History Month throughout February. CSU will continue hosting events in celebration of Black history until May 4.

 

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