Issues of racism, activism, civil rights and racial profiling were discussed by the Ferris community at a movie screening as part of Ferris’ celebration of Black History Month.
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Office of Multicultural Student Services (OMSS) hosted a movie screening and discussion of Fruitvale Station Monday, Feb. 3.
Fruitvale Station is a film based on the true story of Oscar Grant, a black man who was shot by a police officer on New Year’s Day in 2009.
Ferris senior business administration major and president of NAACP Omari Moore co-hosted the discussion.
“Everyone should be trying to help teach someone something they don’t know,” Moore said.
Throughout the year OMSS hosts many cultural events to promote diversity, including Black History Month.
“In my opinion, the common student knows a handful of facts, prominent figures and events relevant to Black History in this country, but there is much more to be taught in order to better understand the culture,” Assistant Director of the Office of Multicultural Student Services (OMSS) Michael Wade said.
As a department, OMSS aims to foster opportunities for engagement and learning for the campus community.
“Nationally recognized cultural heritage celebrations such as Black History Month further give participants an in-depth look into our country’s history, to become aware of where we have been and where we need to go,” Wade said.
Black History Month events at Ferris include Black History: The Untold Story, OMSS: Black History Month Celebration: Do You Know Your History?, and OMSS: Black History Month Celebration: What’s Your Role?
David Pilgrim has worked at Ferris since the 1980s and believes that Black History Month is important at Ferris and in the United States.
“If you don’t know history, it’s all brand new,” Pilgrim said.