With Black History Month coming to an end, the UofM chapter of NAACP hosted a live museum that honored African-Americans for their contributions to the black community.
Joshua Nichols, the live museum’s co-chair, said he hopes the event educated students about the historical figures who helped them obtain the rights they have today.
“As African-American students, we normally don’t get educated about our own history through education,†Nichols said. “We hope that this event will educate us about the historical figures that paved the way for us (African-Americans) and enlighten others about our history.â€
The event took place in the University Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and gave students and faculty the chance to learn about individuals who fought for equality and paved the way for African-Americans.
Nichols said he also wanted the museum to shed light on African-Americans who are not discussed enough.
“People like Dr. King are the matriarchs of black history and we’re always going to include them,†Nichols said. “The University of Memphis honored Andrew Young and Al Bell, so we found it respectful to pay homage to them in our live museum as well.â€
UofM students volunteered to portray the historical figures and stood by biographies, which detailed the accomplishments of the individuals they were posing as.
Coretta Scott King, the wife of the late Martin Luther King Jr., was one of the people honored for her contributions. Coretta was an American author, activist, civil rights leader, and she played a prominent role after her husband’s death by fighting for racial equality and women’s rights.
Colin Kaepernick, Angela Davis, Malcolm X and Harriet Tubman were some of the other African-Americans who were acknowledged for their sacrifices.
The museum also detailed historical facts about activists and Black Panther Party members. Angela Davis was an American political and counterculture activist, academic, author and Black Panther Party member.
Colin Kaepernick, a former NFL quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, is now an American activist. He took action in 2016 by taking a knee during the United States national anthem in response to racial injustice and systematic oppression.
Robert George Seale, a political activist and co-founder of the Black Panther Party, was one of the original ‘Chicago Eight’ defendants who were charged with conspiracy and inciting a riot in the wake of the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
Kyra Collins, the current president of the UofM chapter of NAACP, also thinks the museum is a significant way to teach black history.
“The museum is important because it teaches black history that we’re not always able to learn or what the school teaches us,†Collins said. “It gives us a view of black history and features great black people from the past and present, which can motivate us to shape our future.â€
