GLENVILLE, WV – Glenville State University recently wrapped up a February of events aimed at recognizing and celebrating Black History Month.
Sponsored by the Department of Social Science, the month kicked off with a visit from Dr. Kelton Edmonds who spoke on the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Edmonds is a Professor of History at Pennsylvania Western University-California, an expert in African American Studies, and is the former director of the Frederick Douglass Institute at PennWest California.
Glenville State University’s Black Student Union also played a large role in the events of the month. They sponsored a spirit week, basketball tournament, karaoke night, slumber party, and a special dinner dance.
“The Black Student Union has the purpose of representing the black community at Glenville State University. We are here to bridge the gaps between the black students and the larger university community by promoting education and activities that will create an environment where all students can express themselves and feel that they belong,” said Black Student Union President, Oluwatobi “Tobi” Oladapo. Oladapo is a senior chemistry major from Abuja, Nigeria.
“The Black Student Union is open to everyone, not only those of color. Every leader in BSU may have different missions for the group but we ultimately support the same goal: helping black students feel comfortable on campus and becoming that safe space that many people may need,” said Black Student Union Vice President, Robert Glover. The senior criminal justice major from Maryland added that his goal is to continue sharing knowledge about Black History and sharing culture. “By doing this we will break down the barriers that still affect us today and bring different cultures together, becoming a true melting pot.”.
Glenville State’s Chief Diversity Officer Brian Hill and student Deondre Crudup helped organize a campus visit from Classic Cutz, professional barbers out of Morgantown, West Virginia.
“Black men have long had a special connection to their barbers, so not only was this a good service for our students, but it also provided a chance to have that sense of community you often find at neighborhood barbershops. I had several people tell me after the fact that they enjoyed the conversations as much as the haircuts. The students really connected and made it a true barbershop experience,” said Hill.
Hill’s office also sponsored a movie night with pizza and refreshments that drew a large number of attendees.
Glenville State’s Athletic Department featured current student athletes on a commemorative poster and spotlighted black inductees of the Curtis Elam Athletic Hall of Fame. You can see profiles of those 20 hall of famers by visiting https://go.glenville.edu/BHM23AthleticHOF.
To close out the month, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Student Support Services, and Student Life partnered to bring motivational speaker Darnell Caldwell to campus. Caldwell shared his ‘Empowered by Black History’ presentation to students, faculty, and staff. The presentation focused on qualities and characteristics of successful Black figures.
“I’m very appreciative of those on our campus who helped organize these Black History Month events,” said Glenville State University President, Dr. Mark A. Manchin. “These activities provide us an opportunity to have meaningful interactions with those who may not look like us and to stretch and expand our viewpoints. Those types of interactions help us all become better equipped to understand who we are and, ultimately, who we can become. Of course, it also gives us the chance to reflect on the historic impacts and contributions of our Black and African American citizens.”
Glenville State’s Black Student Union meets on Sundays at 5:00 p.m. in the Mollohan Campus Community Center. Their meetings are open to all GSU students.
