Every culture has a history, a history that is not to be forgotten. Pan-African Student Union (PASU) has decided to delve into the African heritage in honor of African American History Month, which spans across the weeks of February. PASU will be cohosting the events with Africana Studies, African Student Association, Haitian Student Association, Student Organization and other organizations.
The Kean community can expect a total of three events from PASU: the African American History Month Flag Raising on Monday, February 1, 2016, Labels on Tuesday, February 2, 2016, and MLK: The Nightmare After the Dream on Saturday, February 6, 2016.
Members of PASU will gather to raise the African American flag at 3:15 p.m. All are welcome to stop by and take part in the event. The flag will be raised on the Miron Student Center (MSC) Patio, where it will reside for the month of February.
“This symbolizes the history and the love of our culture,” said Aleeyah Oliphant, sophomore elementary education major and PASU secretary. “Raising the flag shows respect to the history and struggles that brought people of African descent where we are today. Without struggle, our stories would not be as powerful and prevalent as they are today.”
Labels will be in the setting of an open discussion, focusing on labels linked to various culture groups and the hold those labels have over individuals. “It is important to talk about how all cultural groups have been labeled in society because we can build a deeper understand[ing] of people that [are] different than us and learn to appreciate and help them celebrate their culture,” Oliphant commented. The discussion will take place in MSC room 226 at 8 p.m. and will conclude around 10 p.m.
PASU has invited the United Youth of New Jersey (UYNJ) to perform MLK: The Nightmare After the Dream in front of the Kean community. The play places a spotlight on the Civil Rights Movement, the struggles of the time, King’s “I Have a Dream” speech and the effects the speech had on the movement. The doors of Wilkins Theatre will open at 2 p.m. and the play is expected to begin at 3 p.m. Those wishing to attend MLK: The Nightmare After the Dream can purchase tickets at the Wilkins Theatre box office for $12 each.
“Overall, I would like for every student at Kean University to help us celebrate and build onto the African American Culture,” Oliphant said. “Over the year[s], throughout the trials and tribulations, not only have our people survived but they prospered. We just want that to be recognized and appreciated.”
Make sure to join PASU throughout its week of honoring the African American heritage. All questions and concerns can be directed to PASU at pasu@kean.edu.
