The sounds of live jazz music and tribal drums filled the Miron Student Center (MSC) Alumni atrium on February 1, 2016, to kick off African American History Month at Kean University sponsored by Student Organization.

Eyes from every level of the atrium watched performances and members of the community come together to celebrate their heritage. The art and colors of Africa could be seen at every turn – the Pan-African Student Union (PASU) displayed red, black, green and gold on their t-shirts and table. Along with these sentiments, posters of important African American figures such as Jackie Robinson, Kenny Washington, Franz Fanon, Mae Jemison, among others, were plastered around the MSC for everyone to acknowledge.

Following the raising of the flag, members of the Kean community took to the atrium to celebrate their culture and past. Women in traditional African dresses danced while men in dashikis played bongo drums for them to intensely twirl and flail to. Between performances, one of the dancers educated everyone on the vast and varied regional traditions and dialects of Africa.

“The sound of drums call the people in the villages, the streets, everywhere, to let them know that something is happening,” said the dancer.

Educating the many people who showed up to acknowledge a diverse heritage, she called over the crowd to talk about history from region to region – reminding those present that what sets them apart makes them that much more united as decedents from Africa. From languages to dress to dance, all of this becomes ingrained in a young African American, regardless of where one might trace their roots to. Senior English, political science and psychology triple major; Tanaera Green said she cannot wait to see how Student Organization tops this event next year.

“I appreciated learning about the history,” stated Green. “Like the [different] drums and what they mean. The performance was beautiful, lively, and educational.”

Student Organization treated all participants to some “soul food samples”. Appetizer-sized portions of food such as corn, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, barbequed ribs, fried mac and cheese, chicken, cornbread and many others were offered to those in the atrium, giving them a taste of some southern comfort. 

Other cultural organizations such as PASU and Haitian Student Association (HSA) were present to help kick off this historical month offering calendars of their events and activities such as bracelet making. President of PASU Kristal Noyan observed the spectacle of unity firsthand.

“This month celebrates our history and how its developed to this day within North America, South American, and the Caribbean,” said Noyan. “[February] is a celebration of our history.”