Black History Month: Acknowledging the underrepresented voices

By Marisol Camargo 

Blog Content Contributor 

San Marcos— In honor of Black History Month, the Student Involvement and Engagement department is hosting a community event called “Black Pride: A Conversation for the Soul.”

Throughout February, Texas State University is holding different events and activities, such as panel discussions and dinners, to remember the achievements and struggles of African Americans throughout history.  

“Honor those who didn’t get their flowers,” said Frankie B. Mars, the host and organizer of the event. 

Mars explained that the idea for the event is to have a healing conversation for the soul, like chicken noodle soup is, in a way, healing for the soul. A place where the listener can feel safe and not be worried about being judged for their way of thinking or who they are. 

The speakers in “Black Pride: A Conversation for the Soul” aim to highlight their experiences as Black members of the LGBTQ community. “Black Pride” is a celebration of Black individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or any other sexual orientation. 

Mars said, “I want to create a safe space where people are able to talk about things they’ve done in their lives, who they are and their identity.” 

The event is on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  It will be an hour-long panel celebrating black queer lives and perspectives. There will be a total of six speakers: Lyndon Chance, Marcie Frazier, LaTresa Dewberry, Nabila Cook, Tarik Daniels, and a Q&A session will follow their speeches.

Maya Diaz, the Zoom coordinator of the event, said, “These histories aren’t separate from anyone, and the way that we understand the world has to include these perspectives, specifically, because otherwise, it will always be an incomplete understanding of history, of the world, of ourselves.” 

The coordinators of the event encourage students to join the Zoom meeting as it could be an opportunity for them to use the meeting as a fountain of resources for themselves and receive some financial aid. 

“I’m giving back a scholarship at this event to three Texas state students who are black and LGBTQ, who are leaders within their community,” Mars said. Mars also added that it is not limited to only black LGBTQ members but also other students who have leadership within their community, whether it is community service like helping animals or other services. 

Diaz emphasized that although this event is highlighting Black Pride, people of different races and sexual orientations can join in on the conversation. 

 “Regardless of who you are and regardless of where you come from, there’s going to be really valuable perspectives shared, and I think just about anyone can learn something from our speakers and the conversation they’re going to have,” said Diaz.

Mars encourages students to join and listen “To hear the experience of voices from underrepresented communities.”

For more information about “Black Pride: A Conversation for the Soul,” visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-pride-a-conversation-for-the-soul-tickets-759437918257?aff=oddtdtcreator. You can also contact them through email at Blackpridetx@gmail.com, and follow them on Instagram at sanmo_blackpride. 

For information about all the Black History Month events at Texas State University, visit https://studentinvolvement.txst.edu/involvement/community-engagement/cultural-celebrations/black-history-month.html.