Here’s how Liberty is celebrating Black History Month on campus

A trip to the National Museum of African History and Culture, music, speakers, food and more — the Division for Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (IDE) has planned a full slate of events to celebrate Black History Month this February. 

IDE, as well as other departments, will highlight things like dance, food, history and community in the various celebrations. All students can learn about the diversity and richness of African American culture.

Liberty University kicked off Black History Month with a blood drive to support people with sickle cell anemia in partnership with the American Red Cross. Nearly 200 students and faculty turned out on Feb. 1 and 2 to donate.

IDE also hosted a Black History Month open house. Complete with soul food and LU Praise’s gospel worship, this open house started the celebrations off strong.

On Wednesday, Feb. 15, IDE will hold a day trip to the National Museum of African History and Culture in Washington, D.C. 

Events hosted by other departments include the International Student Center’s African Open House on Feb. 21. This event involves African students presenting their favorite authentic Afrocentric foods, and it will take place in DeMoss Hall 2232 from noon to 4 p.m.

IDE, in partnership with the Helms School of Government, is hosting Lt. Col. Allen West, former U.S. congressman and retired military officer, for a fireside chat on Feb. 23 in DeMoss Hall 1134 from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

During College For A Weekend (CFAW), IDE will host a event, called “Soul-Train” that includes Afrocentric music, dancing and food. Students can attend this event in the LaHaye Event Space on Friday, Feb. 24 from 9 p.m.
to midnight.

The last event of the month will be Soul Food Night of the Arts on Tuesday, Feb. 28. Held in the Food Court at Reber-Thomas from 6-9 p.m., this event will close out Liberty’s Black History Month celebrations with Afrocentric art, performance and dance. 

Student Hannah Donaldson said that Liberty could improve when it comes to Black History Month.

“As a school, I feel like Liberty University could do a bit better about highlighting Black History Month … There’s more that could be done and taught about,” Donaldson said.

Kike Caycedo, senior diversity recruitment specialist for Liberty University, believes that having a time where underrepresented groups can show their culture is of the utmost importance.  

“To be able to have that space for these underrepresented diverse groups on our campus — it’s valuable to the kingdom but also is a great opportunity for Liberty to experience so many different cultures without having to leave campus,” Caycedo said.  

For more information regarding Black History Month events, visit the IDE Lounge in the Montview Student Union, Room 2760.

Napier is a news reporter for the Liberty Champion. Follow her on Twitter