What does Black History Month mean to the SGA?
Black History Month is a nation's attempt to right longstanding wrongs. Black History Month is a community's attempt to unearth the truth of their people that had been so deeply buried. Black History Month is an individual's attempt to pay homage to their ancestors and find themselves in a world they were not allowed to see themselves in previously. Since 1970, not long after UMBC's founding, we have celebrated a month of acknowledging and upholding Black communities for their multifaceted and impactful contributions to our society. To the SGA, Black History Month means the opportunity to support and progress the attempts of a nation, community, and individual to embrace Blackness in all shades, inventions, words, talents, contributions, and more.
SGA is proud to honor Black History Month, a month dedicated to celebrating the achievements of the African Diaspora throughout history. We also acknowledge and stand by our Black students, faculty, and staff at UMBC. As we kick off this month, make sure to check out and support our many Black organizations on campus and further build connections and community amongst one another.
And yes, one month is not enough, but know that we are engaging in intentional and critical conversations every day to enhance the experience of Black members of our community. Additionally, through the Diversity and Inclusion Framework for the organization, we are also evaluating our work and how, as an organization, we can be more just and uplifting to Black communities.
Thank you, and we ask that you please participate in the many programs and initiatives honoring the essence of this month.
Yours in service,
Joshua Gray, SGA President
Hazel Amanze, Director of Diversity and Inclusion