This past January the annual Celebration of Student Research contained many good moments and recognized many hardworking students for their work in research. Now students are turning their attention to keeping the momentum going as we celebrate Black History Month here on campus with the Malcolm X Institute of Black Studies (MXI).
This February will be packed with opportunities to celebrate African American excellence, accomplishments and contributions with the MXI. Opening up with a week of art and expression, the Rams Horns, or the leadership of the MXI, Chairman Quinn Sholar ’26, Vice Chairman Maximus Rosa ’26, Secretary Hayden Lewter ’26 and Treasurer Javon Garrey ’27 will each give a Chapel Talk on February 5. On February 6, The Voices of Black Art Showcase and Open House, an African American Artist Exhibition, will be at the MXI starting at 7:00 p.m.. Tour guides will be available as Wabash men present their art.
“Black History Month, above all else, especially for college students, should be much more complex than facts, figures and inventions,” said Assistant Director of the MXI Kim King ’99. “Instead, it should bring into focus systemic questions and conversations. At root, I want students to wrestle with how Blackness in America, historically and currently, exposes everything beautiful and ugly about what it means to be American (socially, politically, and economically).”
Throughout the whole month of February, a collection of decorated and celebrated speakers will have lunch Tuesdays with the Institute in the MXI Horace Turner Classroom starting at 12:00 p.m., starting February 3 with Associate Professor of English and Black Studies Timothy Lake. Associate Professor of English Julian Whitney will be giving a lunch talk on February 10 followed by Kim King on February 17. The last talk will be given on February 24 by Director of the MXI Steven Jones ’87.
These upcoming weeks will have chances to pursue knowledge about African American culture, along with connecting to people with incredible skills and information. The MXI invites all to immerse themselves in history and be comfortable as you witness black achievement.
On February 4, brothers of the MXI will travel to Crawfordsville High School (CHS) and give talks about Black History and Culture. This stems from the partnership between the MXI and the CHS Culture Club. Presentations will begin at 10:15 a.m.
On February 19, the MXI will host Red Velvet, an artistic expression show with various performances at the Fine Arts Center in Salter Hall starting at 7:00 p.m., including an act from the Chicago based comedian Meechie Hall.
“This year, through the people we have for lunch talks and other events at the institute, they’re not just for fun but also for education,” said Rosa.
As a Rams Horn and lead coordinator for Black History Month, Rosa is excited to put African American history and culture on display in a fun and interactive way. Focusing on campus culture, Rosa also wants to foster community through education.
“The more people are educated about the black experience, the more comfortable they feel in spaces such as the MXIBS and even more comfortable in places like urban Indianapolis,” said Rosa.
This is a time for people to be appreciative and understanding of each other. There are only twenty-eight days in February, however, there will be 306 more days left in the year to recognize and acknowledge Black America.
The last event will take place on February 26 at 7:30 p.m. at the MXI. A final special moment to conclude the month with a Celebration of Black History.