Austin College’s student organization Black Expressions will host several events throughout February in celebration of Black History month. The events are free and open to students, faculty, and staff.
“We celebrate Black History Month to honor the individual accomplishments of African Americans who have come before us, and at the same time, recognize the sacrifices that they had to make,” said James Hemen, publicity chair of Black Expressions.
Scheduled events include an African-American Read-In on February 11 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Pouch Club of Wright Campus Center; a movie night featuring the film Dope on February 21 at 5 p.m. in Wright Campus Center, Room 231, and “Good Vibes Only Kickback on February 26 in the Pouch Club of Wright Campus Center.
A highlight of the celebration will be a student panel with representatives of several minorities on “Diversity and the Austin College Student Experience,” held February 17 from 7 to 8 p.m. in Wright Campus Center, Room 231. Students will discuss their personal identities and backgrounds and how those have influenced their college experience. Hemen said inclusion of the Diversity Panel in the events is an effort to recognize the struggles and achievements of all minority groups in American history. “Black History month sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of one of the minority groups in America,” said. “However, throughout this month we want it to be clear that there are other minorities that need to be celebrated. With the panel, we are trying to have a student from each of our minority groups on campus to talk about what it means to be a minority, and how to overcome the challenges that come with it. Our goal is to let students on campus know that Black Expressions is a group that isn’t focused only on black people but also on the struggles of all minorities.”
Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, international study, pre-professional foundations, leadership development, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 40 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 36 percent of students representing ethnic minorities. A residential student body of 1,250 students and a faculty of more than 100 allow a 12:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. The College is related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA) and cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. Founded in 1849, the College is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter