A Look Into the Celebration of Black History Month at Butler

Heidi Copple | hcopple@butler.edu 

February is celebrated as Black History Month - a celebration of all of the achievements and important roles that African Americans have had in United States history. This month celebrates and honors Black people from all time periods from the early 17th century up until today.  Butler’s Black Student Union (BSU) has been leading the coalition in celebrating with many on-campus events and gatherings. They have also been actively posting on their social media to promote Black culture and remind their followers of the importance of Black history. 

Butler BSU has hosted a variety of events revolving around Black History Month throughout the duration of February. To kick off the month on February 5, they hosted the Black Professionals Panel and Networking Event. This was a professional event open to students giving them the opportunity to meet and build connections with Black Butler alumni. The event was hosted via Zoom in order to be accessible and inclusive to the panelists as well as any commuter and off-campus students who wished to join. 

Up next was an event aiming to connect Black History Month with Valentine’s Day; Butler BSU planned an event called, Living Single: Mingling Addition. This event helped foster community and gave the chance for students to get to know each other better, along with free snacks and fun games. This event was focused on having an opportunity to socialize and taking a brain break. 

This past Tuesday, February 15,  a more serious topic was brought to light with Discussing on Policing: BUPD. This event included a detailed discussion involving subjects such as well-being and safety on campus. Students attending this event were encouraged to come and share their thoughts and opinions on BUPD in a safe space. 

Raziya Hillery, President of Butler BSU, has put a lot of thought and planning into these events in order to make the biggest impact possible. She expressed, “We’re giving Black students and advocates a space to celebrate Black culture, love, peace, and soul. Outside of these events, we’re also educating people throughout the month on Black history, not only throughout the country but at Butler, and we are making space to build community consciousness throughout the campus.” 

On Thursday, February 17, BSU hosted a community service event in partnership with Butler College Mentors for Kids. This was centered around giving back while focusing on the importance of diversity within Butler's local community. 

Going forward, on Monday, February 21, Butler BSU will be hosting Family Feud located in the Irvington Community Room from 7 PM- 8 PM. This is another fun event hosted by BSU designed to bring students together and build solidarity within the student body. All students are welcome to attend this event with or without a group. Any groups interested in joining as a team can register using the link on Butler’s Black Student Union Instagram page (@butleru_bsu). 

Similarly, on Wednesday, February 23, there will be a Wild ‘n Out game night from 7 PM- 8 PM in Pharmacy Building 103. Butler BSU invites all students to come to have fun and meet new people. 

One of the biggest events put on by Butler BSU during Black History Month continues to be the Unity Ball. This is a night for everyone to come together to celebrate Black culture, soul, and community. It will take place on Saturday, February 26, from 8 PM- 11 PM, and will be located in Robertson Hall. This is a tradition on campus and a night you don’t want to miss. Tickets are $5 for entry. 

These events are inclusive to all students, and everyone is welcome to attend to learn more about Black history and culture. Be sure to follow @butleru_bsu on Instagram to stay up to date on all events, news, and updates from Butler’s Black Student Union!

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