Diversity is a word that holds a lot of meaning to the Ferris population and is a core value of the Ferris administration.
February is a time where talking about race is especially important. It marks the beginning of Black History Month, which is dedicated to remembering the injustices that the black community has faced throughout history, as well as celebrating their triumphs. The Office of Multicultural Student Services (OMSS) will be hosting a variety of events in the upcoming weeks for students to come together and broaden their perspectives.
Kicking off the month on Thursday, Feb. 1, was the ’68 Museum, a mobile exhibit founded by Ferris alumnus Khalid El-Hakim. The museum has traveled to more than 300 institutions in 30 states and holds an impressive 7,000 original artifacts of black memorabilia. Students had the opportunity to explore the objects and hear a presentation on racism given by El-Hakim.
“A lot of people don’t know the history of black heritage,” Ferris criminal justice junior, student assistant for OMSS and member of You Beautiful Black Woman (YBBW) Tierra Shelton said. “I feel like it’s good to be knowledgeable about black culture. It’s good to attend all events that are going to be hosted this February because each is going to be beneficial in different ways.”
Black History Month will also include a film screening every Tuesday in February with follow-up discussions.
“I think that it’s important for everyone to know both sides of history because there are always two sides of history. Black History Month gives us a chance to learn about history from the perspective of the black population. When you learn history from a textbook, it’s usually from the white perspective,” Ferris communications sophomore Taylor Wildeboer said.
OMSS will also be hosting “Conversations on Race” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, in University Center 203. The discussion will center on prejudice that occurs within racial groups and ways to practice acceptance. Students of all racial backgrounds are welcomed and encouraged to attend.
“I think that going to these events helps people understand the feelings of people who are different than them because as a white person, I wouldn’t know the feeling of being oppressed because of my race. If I go to these, then I can understand the feeling and I can help make the situation better,” Wildeboer said.
OMSS Events
- Friday, Feb. 9, 4 p.m. in FLITE 135 – Screening of “The Butler”
- Tuesday, Feb. 13, 6 p.m. in FLITE 159 – Screening of “13th”
- Tuesday, Feb. 20, 6 p.m. in STARR 235 – Screening of “I Am Not Your Negro”
- Tuesday, Feb. 27, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in FLITE 135 – Screening of “The Black Panthers -Vanguard of the Revolution”