By Safari Etien

Black History Month is an annual event that celebrates people of African descent. The story of Black History Month began in 1915, a half century after the 13th Amendment that abolished slavery in the United States of America. The Harvard trained historian Carter G. Woodson and Jesse Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH). Due to the civil rights movement and giving awareness of Black identity, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976.

The students of USIU-Africa, joined by the African American community in Kenya, are coming together to commemorate Black History Month through our artistic expressions. Aligned with the global theme of ‘African Americans and the Arts’ and the locally contextualized theme of ‘Africans, Black identity and the Arts,’ we are proud to showcase and present a diverse array of talents within our community.

During this celebration, we aim to shine a spotlight on the rich cultural heritage and creative achievements of people of African descent. Through various art forms such as visual arts, music, dance, literature, and more, we seek to highlight the contributions of African and African American artists to the global artistic landscape.

Our gathering on February 12 and 13, 2024, serves as a platform to not only celebrate our collective heritage but also to promote understanding, appreciation, and recognition of the profound impact that African and African American artists have had on society. Through our creative endeavors, we hope to inspire future generations to embrace their cultural identities and express themselves through the arts.

As part of cerebrating the Black History Month (BHM), there will be a screening of Woman King. The movie will focus on theme resilience, and struggle for equality, all of which are relevant to BHM. Additionally, Woman King will provide a platform for understanding the contributions of Black women to history, society, culture, and the art industry which are often overlooked or underrepresented in mainstream narratives. Therefore, watching this movie will serve as a means of celebrating and honoring the diverse stories and achievements of Black people, particularly women, and promoting understanding and appreciation of their experiences.

Through the imaginative power of film as an art form, Woman King will hopefully inspire attendees, provide insight into underrepresented perspectives, and celebrate the immense achievements of black people and culture. This special screening event will be a memorable and thought-provoking way to recognize black excellence during this commemorative month.