February is arriving and with it, TLU’s annual celebration of Black History Month. All month long, there will be special events which highlight and honor the cultural heritage, achievements, and triumphs of African Americans throughout history, and which encourage meaningful conversations as the journey for racial justice continues.
“I'm excited that TLU, as an institution, is coming together to celebrate Black History Month—our Brown Cultural Enrichment Series, Campus Ministry, the Center for African American Studies, and the Black Student Union are all bringing their unique events, talents, and perspectives to the table,” says Dr. Lauren Shook, professor of English and faculty advisor to TLU’s BSU.
Every Wednesday in February, Chapel services will reflect the celebration, with the Black Student Union leading the initial service on February 7. “I always look forward to Chapel during Black History Month,” says Trinity Murdoch, president of the BSU. She says February services will have a Baptist worship flair in the service style, lectionary, and music. “It’s so fun to combine different forms of Christianity and come together as one.” Pastor Lee Martin will be speaking at the February 7 service. Other special guest speakers on tap for the month include Director of the Center for African American Studies Dr. Reverend Sharon Grant and Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Malikah Pitts Harvey. Services are from 10:00 to 10:20 a.m. in the Chapel of the Abiding Presence.
On February 9, the University is thrilled to welcome Reverend Nontombi Naomi Tutu, daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and a race and gender activist. Reverend Tutu will be presenting One Body, One Family, One World, a talk in which she will share her experiences growing up as a Black female during apartheid in South Africa—and how that time in history, fraught with conflict and separation, would lead to the banding together of people all over the world with the common prayer of freedom for the oppressed. Reverend Tutu’s talk, which will take place in Jackson Auditorium, begins at 7 p.m. and will be followed by a meet-and-greet at 8 p.m. The event is part of the Brown Cultural Enrichment Series and is free and open to the public. A live stream will be available for those who can’t attend in person.
On February 12, the Black Student Union will be hosting a S’mores and Solidarity event. Check the tlubsu Instagram page for updates on this and other events. The BSU welcomes all students, so those interested in joining are encouraged to attend or get in touch.
“I have loved seeing the community-building and uplifting, fun environment that BSU is fostering within its organization, around campus, and in the larger Seguin community,” says Shook. Murdoch says regular meetings take place at 8:00 in the ASC every Monday evening, and in addition the group hosts a special event each month.
On February 15, the University’s Center for African American Studies is hosting an open house from 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Langner Hall. Then on February 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Dr. Mario Salas will speak in Tschoepe Hall’s Dunne Conference Center. Dr. Salas, a writer, civil rights leader, and educator, is author of the book, The Alamo: A Cradle of Lies, Slavery, and White Supremacy.
On February 22, the BSU will host a fun celebration, Blame It on the Boogie. And the month will be capped off on the 28th with a special Soul Food Night in Hein Dining Hall. More details for all of these events can be found here and at the tlubsu Instagram page.