By Michele Richinick
In past years, the John D. O’Bryant African-American Institute has held events for February’s Black History Month that focus on the historical context and historical figures of black history. This year the Institute is focusing on contemporary issues with their celebration of “Generations of Black History.” These celebrations aim to bring generations together as a way for students to have the opportunity to understand their heritage’s role in society today.
“This is an important month to reflect on our history and legacy in the United States, and to remind us how far we have come and how far we still need to go,” said Richard O’Bryant, director of the Institute. “[This month] is a re-energizing battery for black history.”
One of the events celebrating black history, “Honoring our Elders,” was held yesterday afternoon at the Institute. Elders from the surrounding community came to the event, and students celebrating black history served lunch to the guests and discussed African-American history with the elders.
“This event brought a sense of community to campus,” said Michael Carter, a freshman African-American studies major. “It is important to recognize elders, men and women, to bring an essence of family to campus.”
Esther Williams, a lifelong educator and community activist who worked at Northeastern for more than 25 years, was the Black Heritage Honoree at the event. In the past, she has worked for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and has served on the Roxbury Multi-Service Center Scholarship Committee. She is now spending her time in retirement helping children by being a reading coach for Generations, Incorporated a nonprofit organization that connects Boston residents 55 years and older with children who need help in reading and mathematics.
“For so many years, [Northeastern] was my family away from home,” Williams said. “I loved coming to work to see people who loved going to college and who wanted to become productive citizens in society.” Before leaving, the elders shared words of wisdom with the students. Vivian Heathman of Boston told the audience that Black history does not have to be limited to one month a year. Black history can be taught all throughout the year, she said. Several of the elders spoke about their heritage and the struggles they have overcome.
“You don’t know what it means to us to have [Barack Obama] on the ballot,” said Cicily O’Bryant, a member of the Boston community. “When we were young we couldn’t even get on the ballot.”
Roodly Dorleans, a senior mechanical engineering technology major, said he is proud of the elders in this community. “Seniors aren’t just the past – I like to look at seniors as the past, present and the future,” he said.
Other events at the Institute celebrate Black History Month include “Honoring Our Women” Feb. 13, “Honoring Our Youth” from Feb. 19 to Feb. 22 and “Honoring Our Men” Feb. 27. The AAI is also supporting other Black History Month events that student organizations are holding, like “The Souls of Black Folk,” which took place Monday in Blackman Auditorium.
“It is very important for us to celebrate [Black History Month],” said Catherine Noel, a middler economics major. “Many people don’t know about the history, even African-Americans. Each year, new people are setting the bar; it’s not just the historic people anymore.”
