Written by Hannah Guanti
February marks the return of Black History Month across the country and here on Roanoke College’s campus. Here are the events across the college to commemorate the legacy of black Americans.
The first event was Wednesday with Paint and Sip night hosted by The Office of Multicultural Affairs and CAB.
On February 17, two appearances will be highlighted during halftime of the men’s and women’s basketball games. The first is the ZUZU Acrobats, a breath-taking Tanzanian troupe with a history over 2,000 years old. The second is celebrating the accomplishments of the Roanoke chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, a historically African American service sorority.
Following halftime, Bast Center will also host the Roanoke food truck with a special menu.
The Black Student Alliance will be hosting its annual candlelight vigil on February 18. The vigil is in honor of those enslaved workers with ties to the school’s history. In a quote from last years vigil, BSA President Jasmine said,
“The time allotted isn’t enough to fully recognize the people we want to honor today, as it would take lifetimes to truly give them the respect they deserve… we hope that with the time you spend…you take away a deeper respect for the grounds…and most importantly, the people themselves.”
This vigil is a part of a larger campus movement for larger recognition of the legacy that enslaved people had on the creation and beginnings of the college.
Finally, a musical service in the honor of Black History Month will be held on February 25 at 11 a.m. at Shiloh Baptist Church. The college’s choir will be performing for this special event.
The address for Shiloh Baptist Church is 201 S. Market St., Salem.
