Editor's note: This article has been corrected.
February is dedicated to black people and their efforts to society, but some black students think they aren't fully accepted in Chico.
Black people have made many contributions to the nation, said Tray Robinson, Chico State's diversity coordinator.
"Black History Month is an opportunity to reflect on the history of our people and rejoice in that," Robinson said.
George Washington Carver was the first person to make soap from peanuts, Harriet Tubman helped free numerous blacks from slavery with the Underground Railroad and Benjamin Banneker designed the streets of Washington, D.C.
Although progress has been made in the last 50 years, black people still have a long way to go, Robinson said.
"Segregation still exists, racism still exists, discrimination still exists," Robinson said. "I try to think realistically, but it saddens me."
Stacey Gibson, a peer adviser for undergraduate programs, was called a racial slur by two white males the weekend of Jan. 29 when she was walking downtown, she said in an e-mail.
"I was more shocked that it happened," Gibson said. "I was hurt and confused."
Gibson said she has been called a nigger 21 times.
Celebration of black history began in 1926 when Dr. Carter G. Woodson proposed a plan to work against African-American injustice.
It was only a week long and corresponded with Abraham Lincoln's and Frederick Douglass' birthdays. It was called Negro History Week and led to what is now Black History Month.
Some people do not understand why this month is important, but Robinson wants to educate people with campus events, he said.
Those events include a Men of Honor variety show Friday and a dance troupe performance by the Urban Bush Women on Tuesday.
"We're making more of an effort to celebrate things," Robinson said. "We should celebrate Black History Month all the time."
Junior Valerie Sykes said she is glad that black heritage is celebrated, but having a month set aside for it does not affect her.
Sophomore Jessica Orzalli said she hadn't focused on Black History Month, but after she took a class in African-American music, she wanted to learn more.
"I have a greater appreciation for it," Orzalli said.
Shannon Lawrence can be reached at slawrence@theorion.com
Be the first to comment on this article!