DUNMORE, Pa. — Penn State Scranton is hosting daily events this week celebrating Black History Month, including the Zuzu African Acrobats, African drumming and dancing with Erico Ansuade, and a Cultural Dialogues — Black Bazaar featuring local, Black-owned businesses and their owners. For more information on the dates, times, and locations, click here.
The events were organized by the campus Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator Julia Egan and the campus’ Black Student Union (BSU) whose members are looking forward to all of the events this week. According to BSU president Marisa Milton, the club has been planning these events since November and they are eager to see them come to fruition.
“We are extremely excited for these events to take place not only because it highlights our culture, but also because it is the first time in some years that the Black Student Union has established their presence on campus again. The advisory board and members of the club will be taking part in events such as the ‘Black Bazaar’ which sheds light on local Black-owned businesses, among many other exciting things.” Milton said.
When asked what being involved in Black History Month and BSU means to her, Milton said that it means “representing the minority population on campus and the extensive hardships we as Black people had to endure throughout history to reach the place we are today although we have a long way to go.”
Ruthshaina Este, BSU’s secretary, said she has learned a lot from those that took place earlier this month, such as the Black History Month Trivia, and is excitedly looking forward to this week's events.
“I am hoping the next events we have planned shed some light on Black history, while focusing on the contributions of African Americans to our community — our Cultural Dialogues event, for example," said Este. "Hopefully these events serve as a reminder to us all that we should continue to promote and celebrate diversity because honoring and celebrating our diversity will only strengthen the community.”
