Texas State kicks off Black History Month

By Maxwell Zaborowski 

News Reporter 

Texas State held two events commemorating Black History Month on Feb. 9 and 10. The first event was Texas State Men’s Basketball Equality and Inclusion Awareness and Racism game for Black History Month. The other event was the Black History Month Kick Back held on the San Marcos campus.  

Also known as African American History Month, Black History Month is a month-long observance that celebrates the contributions of African Americans to American history, culture, and society. February is meant to encapsulate a rich and complex history, reflecting both the long struggle for racial justice in the United States and the ongoing effort to recognize the many achievements of African Americans throughout history. 

The men’s basketball Equality and Inclusion Awareness and Racism game, a blackout game where students came dressed in black Texas State gear, and some students received a free, black Texas State shirt for attending. When the players arrived, they wore practice shirts over their jerseys with Black History Month in red, yellow, and green across the front.  

During half-time, a video commemorating Martin Luther King Jr and Rosa Parks played on the video board. After this, the Delta Sigma Theta sorority performed a dance that is known as stepping and they performed to the song “Pull over” by Trina.  

The Black History Month Kick Back was held in the Unity Lounge in the LBJ Student Center and put on by Jesse Silva, the director of Inclusive Excellence-Student Connections and Belonging, and sponsored by the Division of Inclusive Excellence. 

“These sort of events help me feel included at Texas State,” Texas State student Jared Dudley said. “Everyone there was so happy and having a good time, there was a real sense of community.”

Silva and the Division of Inclusive Excellence provided free shirts, food and refreshments. They also had coloring pages out, a DJ playing and a BHM Kahoot to participate in, along with other activities.   

“There’s a lot of connection and bonding here. I really like it,” Texas State student Sam Nieves said. “Great food and really good music. I think it’s important to have events like this because everyone is able to be themselves and be comfortable and bond over our race.”  

Black History Month is a time to reflect on the struggles and achievements of African Americans throughout American history. By taking the time to learn about the many contributions of African Americans to society, everyone can work to create a more just and equitable future. 

Texas State University will host a series of events to commemorate Black History Month, which are listed on their website at https://inclusion.txst.edu/students/programs/cultural-celebrations/black-history-month/upcoming-events.html  

Featured image by Maxwell Zaborowski.