The University of Memphis looks to kick off Black History Month with its annual Lifetime Achievement Award and Opening ceremony.
“It will highlight a persons achievements and highlight what they have done and how they have given back to the community,” said Linda Hall, Associate dean of Multicultural Affairs for the University of Memphis.
During this ceremony, the University will recognize life long Memphians who have made notable contributions in their field, and is open to current students, alumni, faculty and the community.
This years ceremony they will honor University of Memphis alumni and retired president of the National Civil Rights Museum Beverly Robertson, and will take place at the Rose Theatre Friday at 7:00 p.m.
“I think regardless of the ethnic group we should be made aware of contributions any group has made to the diversity of this campus and of our country,” Hall said. “I think that it is important for all of us to enhance our knowledge and understanding of the contributions each segment whether its ethnic, gender or culturally related and how those things have contributed to what makes America what it is.”
The Office of Multicultural affairs have worked hard to provide students with events honoring Black History Month including a campus wide day of prayer in the Bluff Room, and a “Gospel Explosion” featuring Markevious Faulkner, Vincent Tharpe and Kenosis.
Other events include The National Civil Rights Museum Tour, The Prominent Black Women’s Banquet and The Mahogany Awards & Freedom Ball.
Hall also talks about how Black History Month is relevant to college students.
“I think it is relevant to college student because they are at a point where they can now take that history and that information and judge it for themselves,” Hall said. “They can put all the pieces together and they are at a point where they can do some critical thinking for themselves with that information and make decisions about the contributions and get a more universal look at the history of this country.”
Current students can also take this opportunity to learn about alumni and former student achievement.
“We want students to know if you graduate from Memphis city schools or from the University of Memphis you can go on to do these kind of things and make great contributions to the community you live in,” Hall said. “History is being made right now, before it is even printed in a book.”
The office of Multicultural Affairs will end Black History Month with a closing Ceremony featuring guest speaker and long time associate dean of Multicultural affairs Author S. Holmon.
Students can find a detailed calendar of all the Black History Month events on the Office of Multicultural affairs website.
