Black Student Council celebrates Black History Month

With the support of the Office of Multicultural Initiatives, Student Leadership, and Inclusive Excellence (OMI), Black Student Council (BSC) celebrated Black History Month with a series of programs and activities Feb. 17–21.

The weeklong celebration ended with a panel discussion titled “Being Diverse in a Professional Setting.” Faculty, staff and over 80 students attended the event. The Panel included Murray State University Board of Regents member Leon Owens of Paducah, Kentucky, and University faculty and staff members Dr. Donald Adongo, associate professor of mathematics; Carruth Kitrell, administrative assistant, engineering and technology; Dr. Esther Malm, assistant professor of psychology; and Dr. Bob Long, distinguished visiting professor, nonprofit leadership studies.

The panel was moderated by Dr. Alicia Carthell, assistant professor of English. Students learned about working and functioning in diverse settings and were given advice for career success. Regent Owens discussed the importance of persevering and being a servant leader. Owens also encouraged students to take advantage of opportunities, envision themselves as leaders, and learn and develop effective communication skills, which are essential when interacting in professional settings.

Other Black History Month activities included a black history bingo and trivia night at Winslow Dining Hall in conjunction with Sodexo dining services, which supported the event with an African-American themed dinner. BSC also held a movie night in the OMI Office that featured the movie “Us.”