African-American Yalies celebrate Black History Month

By Marco Wan

Riots. Tear gas. Protests. These images symbolized the civil rights movement in New Haven during the 1960s. As African-American students continue to appreciate the gains they have made at Yale since those tumultous days, Black History Month, which occurs in February, has evolved into a time of reflection and celebration for African-American Yalies. The Afro-American Cultural Center, the Black Students Association (BSAY), and the Black Political Forum have planned a string of activities to mark this year's festivities.

While the organization and structure of Black History Month have changed much since its inception in the '30s, its underlying goals have remained the same. "Black History Month aims to celebrate the achievements of African-Americans over the years," Kim Goff-Crews, the director of the Afro-American Cultural Center and assistant dean of Yale College, said.

Even though racial problems, epitomized by the1992 Los Angeles riots and the racial divide over the O.J. Simpson verdict, have continued to confront the country in the 1990s, African-American Yalies said issues important to their community are still not being met by society.

Black Political Forum Chairman Jamie Harrison, PC '98, said, " In my high school, the accomplishments of African-Americans were hardly mentioned at all."

African-Americans focus on traits unique to their community during Black History Month. According to Goff-Crews, "a distinct characteristic of this culture is the strong will to survive inherent in its people. We strive for our goals and don't give up easily."

The will to survive seems to be embodied in Black History Month activities such as `Surviving Yale,' a panel addressing issues ranging from studying abroad to applying to professional schools. `Echoes of Song' is designed to celebrate the musical talents of African heritage. Events still to come include a speech by Florence Ladd, director of the Bunting institute at Radcliffe College and author of the novel Sarah's Psalm, a screening of the highly acclaimed documentary Skin Deep by filmmaker Frances Reid, a Valentine's Dance, and a speech by Kwame Anthony Appiah, author of several books on race and politics.

While Black History Month is an important step in the promotion of cultural exchange and understanding in the eyes of African-American Yalies, some students believe that more should be done to address problems related to race and culture at the University. Brooke Richie, ES '99, the Chairman of the the Black Students' Association, said, "Yale has moved away from making a conscious effort to address issues relevant to ethnic minorities."

"Yale is going through the same thing America is: issues of race are not talked about, and everyone assumes that everything is fine when it in fact isn't," Harrison said.

African-Americans on campus said that they hope Black History Month will be a step in the right direction for campus race relations. As Kim Jones, CC '00, points out, "Learning about black history, like learning about European or Asian history, gives us a better understanding of what is happening around us and an awareness of how positive changes can be made."

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