Ferris State University is planning a series of activities to recognize Black History Month, celebrating the Black experience while recognizing achievements and sharing inspiring stories for future generations.

Activities planned by the Office of Multicultural Student Services staff include fun and educational opportunities, a movie night and discussion, and a leadership development program to close the month. 

“For us, Black History Month is an opportunity to expose people to Black culture, to Black arts, to the whole Black experience, and to be able to show how we’re part of the shared history of the United States,” said Michael Hopson, Ferris State’s new director of the Office of Multicultural Student Services. “So, during Black History Month, the Office of Multicultural Student Services will sponsor a few activities for our university community.” 

Activities begin on Wednesday, Feb. 7, with a Game Night in the OMSS, located in suite 159 of the FLITE building, 1010 Campus Drive, at 5:30 p.m.

On Thursday, Feb. 15, beginning at 6 p.m., OMSS will host a screening of the 2018 film The Hate U Give, based on the 2017 novel by Angie Thomas, followed by a discussion in room 202 of the David L. Eisler Center, 805 Campus Drive.  

The We Are March, celebrating people negatively impacted by untimely violence, is planned for the community is planned for Wednesday, Feb. 21. The event will be held in room 217 of the Eisler Center, beginning at 4 p.m. 

One day later, on Feb. 22, Ferris State’s Black History Month activities wrap up with Black Leadership at Ferris: Designed with You in Mind. This event begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Eisler Center, room 202B. 

“We’re going to have our black leaders’ forum for students to come in and meet some of the African American leaders here on campus and get a chance to hear their stories, their journeys and how they have had to deal with the challenges they have faced,” Hopson said. 

Black History Month highlights the achievements and challenges that African Americans have faced throughout U.S. history. What historian Carter G. Woodson started as “Negro History Week” evolved into Black History Month. Since 1976, history.com notes that every U.S. president has officially dedicated the month of February as Black History Month.