Celebrate Black History

February not only marks the time for heart-shaped candies and roses, it represents a month of celebration for the African American legacies who paved the way for civil rights reform. Texas State is serving almost 4,000 undergraduate black students, and it’s important that we recognize the university’s programming that acts to serve and educate Bobcats from all backgrounds about adversities that they face. As Black History Month comes to a close, let’s recap on some incredible events LBJ Student Center has hosted to honor and celebrate African American history. 

We kicked off the month with the annual Martin Luther King Commemoration Celebration held in the LBJSC Ballroom. To honor MLK’s iconic walk through Selma, Alabama, Bobcats gathered to march from Old Main to the student center. Recreating this historic event was extremely powerful and acted as a perfect precursor to the celebration program that focused on honoring influential members of the civil rights movement and their impact on campus life today. This event wasn’t limited to just the student body, as many locals and schools attended, truly bringing together San Marcos with this sacred Bobcat tradition.

On February 20, Student Volunteer Connection hosted their monthly Bobcat Acts of Kindness, an on-campus service event where students can volunteer with their fellow peers. This month’s service event centered around youth in the black community as Bobcats created coloring books with African American figures to donate to the San Marcos Boys and Girls Club. These coloring books aim to promote inclusivity to children, and provide them with fun activities that display people who look like them to motivate and inspire. If you’re interested in more service opportunities with SVC, check out their next membership meeting on March 9 from 5-6 pm in LBJSC 3-21.3.

If you missed out on some opportunities to get involved with African American life this month at LBJ don’t fear- the celebration isn’t limited to 29 days in February! Black Student Alliance holds bi-weekly meetings in LBJ that focus on a range of issues such as colorism, mental health and dating as a black college student. They also provide amazing information and support on becoming an ally to people of color in a push to truly unify Bobcats despite the color of their skin. For more information, check out their twitter @BSA_Txstate for updates on events and socials.