For Over 20 years, U of M’s multicultural affairs program has hosted an opening and closing ceremony for Black History Month.
The closing ceremony will be held Feb. 27 and its sole purpose is to end black history month on a high note.
“The ceremony is important because it is a climax to a month long of relearning, awareness, and contributions that have been made,” said Linda Hall, associate dean of multicultural affairs.
Every year, a highly respected speaker is selected to close black history month.
“We look for a speaker that has the ability to bring it all together for us,” said Hall.
Throughout the years, the speakers of the closing event were often alumni, leaders, and African Americans who had hands on experience with the best and worst moments of black history. In 2006, Mayor AC Wharton spoke at the closing ceremony of black history.
Arthur S. Holmon, the former Dean of multicultural affairs was selected as the guest speaker for this year’s closing ceremony. Holmon served as the associate dean of multicultural affairs for 26 years. He started the tradition of opening and closing black history with a ceremoniously as well as other ongoing initiatives still in place today.
As a tribute to his legacy, a lifetime achievement award was named after Mr. Holmon upon his retirement. The award is given to those who show exceptional dedication to the Memphis community. Holomon also has a scholarship named after him and it is for students who demonstrate financial need as well as leadership qualities.
Multicultural affairs focuses on the awareness of cultural and ethnic groups on campus while encouraging students of various cultures to have comfort in their presence on campus.
“We are all one big family and we enjoy being a campus of inclusion and civility,” said Hall.
Some have argued black history should be a part of American history and celebrated every month. Although Hall agrees with that perspective, she said what is not learned in the classroom can be learned through student’s involvement and engagement.
Students have expressed their excitement toward attending the ceremony.
“I feel this event is important because this month is important and I’m glad we have an organization on campus that acknowledges that and acts on it,” said sophomore Michael Smith. “I would like to hear Arthur Holmon discuss how he survived as a student at our University and why he decided to work here.”
Jalicia Myles, junior education major has been affected by the opening and closing of black history month in a positive way.
“Listening to speakers who have walked a mile in our shoes and have paved the way for us is inspirational, honorable, and every year I enjoy every moment of the opening and closing of Black History Month ceremonies,” said Myles.
Hall is positive about the closing of black history events being a success in the future.
“This event has been going on since the 80s and it’ll definitely be continuing in the future,” said Hall.
