LBCC kicked off its annual series of Black Heritage Month events on Wednesday with free soul food, music and student performances at the A-Quad on the liberal arts campus.
The event began with a moment of silence in honor of all Black people who had died from COVID-19.
For many students and faculty, this was their first in-person event to participate in since the pandemic forced the campus to shut down nearly 2 years ago.
Dr. Lee Douglas, LBCC’s Vice President of academic affairs, was one of several faculty members who participated in the event.
Douglas spoke about the school’s underlying theme of this year’s Black Heritage Month: Black health and wellness.
“The focus this year is on Black wellness and thinking about taking care of ourselves physically, mentally, spiritually, and just the whole person,” said Douglas. “That’s why this event is so exciting, because we don’t really take the time to say ‘take care of yourself’.”
Several students also participated in the event, including Leila Pope, who said this was her first week being on campus.
“I think the event that’s happening right now is very empowering for the Black students here,” said Pope.
Vernon Ware-Wright, another student at the event stated that the school is doing a good job giving its Black students the help they need.
“In my opinion, I feel like they’re doing everything they can for the young Black students so we could have a better education to get to where we need to go,” said Ware-Wright.
Many other events will be held throughout the month, including a webinar with American philosopher and political activist, Dr. Cornel West.
For more information on the school’s schedule for upcoming Black Heritage Month events, click here.