Appalachian State University’s campus has been filled with programs this February hosted by different black organizations celebrating Black History Month.

But black history isn’t just for black individuals, sophomore family consumer science major Aisha Cotton said.

“There are things that happened in black history that relate to everyone,” she said.

Faculty advisor to the Black Student Association Anthony Brumfield said there were various programs throughout the month that dealt with African-American history, such as a series of speakers.

“However, there needs to be more, there needs to be a lot more, and I do believe there wasn’t enough recognition,” Brumfield said.

BSA President Lauren Hamilton said black people should not be limited to one month.

“It’s a year-long thing,” she said. “I can’t turn off being black and I can’t change who I am.”
Hamilton said Black History Month is a time for education and remembrance, to remember what was done and what has happened.

During the month of February, there was a celebration of black love during Black Love Week, and the following week there were many other programs within the black community that educated and uplifted, Hamilton said.

There was also a series every week hosted by a professor discussing different aspects of black history, sponsored in part by the Black Faculty and Staff Association, Hamilton said.

Hamilton said participation throughout the black community was good.

“It surprised us a little bit because it is hard for us to reach all black students on campus,” she said. “But for the numbers that showed up, it was a good amount.”

The numbers are a positive feedback that shows the efforts of the Black Student Association isn’t being ignored, Hamilton said.

Story: STEPHANIE SANSOUCY, Senior News Reportee