Our generation seems to be completely disconnected to its history. Fewer than 50 years ago, several restrictive laws that had banned interracial marriages, segregated bus passengers and enforced residential segregation were still in effect. Despite the ruling of Brown v. Board of Education in 1954, the schools in my own hometown were not racially integrated until more than 10 years later when busing students became more common. Many of our very own parents could not even go to school with one another because of the color of their skin.

In saying this, I am suggesting that we, as a generation, are not that far removed from the Civil Rights Movement, the era of women’s suffrage, and, dare I say it, slavery. History has helped to shape us into who we are today. Nicole Nfonoyim, the Africana Community Coordinator in the Multicultural Resource Center, addressed this matter when she concluded that, “History is not just about what happened back then. We’re making history right now as we live.” Not only is history a part of us, but we are conversely a part of it as well.

Because we are responsible for molding the future for generations to come, it is consequently our obligation to connect with our multifaceted history. Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the founder of Negro History Week — which evolved into Black History Month in 1976 — once said, “Those who have no record of what their forbearers have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history.” Black History Month not only gives African Americans the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments that the Africana community has made throughout history — it also allows people on a global spectrum to learn about these accomplishments and their implications for our future.

For some of you, imagining yourself attending a lecture or film screening that pertains to the Africana community may seem awkward or unnerving. Well, I’m here to tell you that everyone is welcome to the events of the Black History Celebration. With such a wide variety of musicians, scientists, journalists and other guests, there is bound to be something that sparks your interest. College sophomore Julia Bowling said it best when she explained, “You’re not going to automatically feel welcome without any effort on your part.”

It is obvious that much of the Oberlin College community is intelligent enough to know that Black History Month is still relevant today. Yet are we intelligent enough to expand our intellect even further by removing ourselves from our comfort zones, embracing different cultures and taking advantage of the wonderfully unique opportunities that are being offered this month? The planning has been done. The dates have been set. The celebration guests and venues have been selected. Now all we need is you! “We have so much to learn from each other. This is not just about the Black community. It’s a collective thing,” said Nfonoyim.

For more event information, please visit: http://new.oberlin.edu/events-activities/black-history/.