“Black history is a significant piece to American history and I want to make sure that that’s not forgotten about,” said Greg Moore, director of African American Student Initiatives.
The Black History Month kickoff event took place on the third floor of the NKU Student Union on Feb. 1.
“[The Kickoff] is more of an exhibit to showcase black artists, black authors, Black Books, black games, black blackness if that makes sense,” said Moore. He said that this event is to celebrate and commemorate the people who have contributed to society, not just for the black community but the entire human race.
“I think events like this are a lot of fun because it allows people to come together and like learn something but in a way that’s like low pressure and casual; there’s books, there’s games, so you can have fun but also learn,” said Lillian Cox, a photographer for the Center for Student Inclusiveness.
Moore spoke about some upcoming Black History Month events he’s excited to attend.
“Free Your Mind Fridays”—Black History Month edition—will be hosted every Friday for the month of February on the third floor of the Student Union. Students, faculty and staff will have the opportunity to get together in a relaxed, non-judgmental environment.
“We like to sing, dance, play, have conversations and just allow ourselves to get away from everyday stressors,” said Moore about Free Your Mind Fridays.
“What I am looking forward to the most is we’re bringing back B.E.S.T.,” said Moore. B.E.S.T., which stands for Black Employers Showcase and Talents, is an annual event for businesses, black-owned businesses, small businesses, as well as corporations to have access to a diverse applicant pool.
“What makes it unique is that students have that one-on-one intimate conversation with employers and they felt like it prepared them for the bigger Career Expo,” said Moore. He added that it has a DJ, dancing and food, which makes it fun.
Another event Moore is excited to attend is on Feb. 15 where special guest Genius Potential, a public speaking duo made up of Bert Gervais and David Horne, will be hosting two events: a Hip-Hop writing workshop for stress relief and anxiety and Epic Rap Battles of Black history.
“I love what they did. They’ve taken this concept of a versus battle between two music artists and they’ve translated that over into black history. So you may see a visual display of a battle about Martin Luther King and Malcolm X,” said Moore.
“There’s been a lot of work put into this as well as I can’t wait to see what the students do,” he said.
Here is the schedule of the upcoming Black History Month Events:
Saturday, Feb. 3
Community Service
9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Avondale Boys & Girls Club
3504 Washington Ave. Cincinnati, OH
Sunday, Feb. 4
Homecoming Reunion Tailgate
BSU UNITY Week
10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Lot D (near the welcome center)
Norse Men’s Basketball Game Vs Wright State University
2 p.m.
Truist Arena
Monday, Feb. 5,
UnBREAK My Soul Vision Board Party
BSU UNITY week
6-8 p.m.
SU 109
Tuesday, Feb. 6
Healing through Music
Featuring keynote speaker: Kai Roberts
3:15 p.m.
SU ballroom
Game Night for the Culture
BSU UNITY Week
6-8 p.m.
SU 102
Wednesday, Feb. 7
Fashion Show
BSU UNITY week
6-8 p.m.
SU Ballroom
Juneteenth: Faith and Freedom
Film screening
7 p.m.
Griffin Hall Digitorium
Thursday, Feb. 8
Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health in the Black Community
BSU unity week
6-8 p.m.
University Center Ballroom
Friday, Feb. 9
BLACKtastic Free Your Mind Friday
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
SU Third Floor Lobby
Saturday, Feb. 10
Community Service
BSU UNITY week
6-8 p.m.
SU 109
Tuesday, Feb. 13
B.E.S.T. (Black Employers Showcase and Talents)
12-4 p.m.
SU Ballroom
Wednesday, Feb. 14
Black Love in the Media
Black table talk
5-6:30 p.m.
SU 302
Thursday, Feb. 15
HipHop Writing Workshop for Stress Relief and Anxiety
Specialist Guest: Genius Potential
12:15 p.m.
SU Ballroom
Epic Battles of Black History
Specialist Guest: Genius Potential
7 p.m.
SU Ballroom
Friday, Feb. 16
Free Your Mind Friday
Black History Month edition
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
SU First Floor Lobby
New Year, New You
Nu Upsilon
5 – 7 PM
North Commons 140
Tuesday, Feb. 20
Experiencing the Culture through Community
Community Service
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
St. Clement School in St. Bernard, Ohio
It Takes a Village
Study tables
6-9 p.m.
SU 108 and 109
Wednesday, Feb. 21
Black Men’s Coalition
Kick-off
4 p.m.
SU 102
Friday, Feb. 23
Free Your Mind Friday
Black History Month edition
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
SU First Floor Lobby
Monday, Feb. 26
State of BLACK NKU
Panel & Discussion
6-8 p.m.
SU Ballroom
Tuesday, Feb. 27
SOUL Line Dancing
6-8:30 p.m.
University Center Ballroom
Thursday, Feb. 29
Pass the Aux
6:30-8 p.m.
SU 302
AuxCord Wars
8-10:30 p.m.
SU Ballroom