Issue date: 2/9/10 Section: Current Affairs

"Lift every voice and sing till earth and heaven ring/ Ring with the harmonies of liberty/ Let our rejoicing rise high as the listening skies/ Let it resound loud as the rolling sea," was sang throughout the Knight Auditorium as Black History Month kicked off last Thurs. at NSU.

The Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences hosted the 3rd Annual Strengths of the Black Family Film Series and Roundtable Discussion with the theme "Black Love is Black Wealth." Debra Nixon, the facilitator of the event and a faculty member in the Department of Family Therapy in SHSS, wanted to encourage students to tell their own stories at the end of the day because many stories about black families are not positive. "It does not matter what other people say about you, what's important is what you believe about yourself," she said.

After the "Negro National Anthem" was sang, Jacqueline Clarke, a student of Nixon's, said a prayer while everyone held hands. Other students in attendance were eager to celebrate Black History Month and "see what new prospects will be presented this year," said Anne Nelson, junior counseling major.

Clips of inspiring films were shown with open discussions throughout. Nixon encouraged the audience to share their stories of those that inspired them the most. Those in attendance were proud to share their stories and honor those that once influenced them in a positive way.

As Nikki Giovanni was heard through the speakers of the auditorium, everyone was in deep thought and the room fell silent as a recording of Giovanni's popular poem, "Truth Is On Its Way," was being played. The event was full of powerful reminders of how so many different people influence our lives.

Click here for information on more Black History events this month.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools