Celebrating Black History Month at Salem

By Jessea James

The month of February marks Black History Month — a time dedicated to honoring the achievements, history, and culture of Black communities. Salem College celebrates Black History Month beyond mere acknowledgment, it creates opportunities for students to engage, learn, and build a more inclusive community.

The Black Student Union has created a powerful lineup of events throughout the month, blending education, culture, and entertainment for the Salem College community. Through a diverse range of activities, students and faculty have had the opportunity to learn, connect, and honor the past while embracing the future.

The Soulful Darty Kickoff set the tone for Black History Month with a delicious spread of Jamaican food, celebrating the cultural connections of the African and Caribbean diasporas. The month continued with vibrant gatherings such as Black Dreams in Focus, an exploration of Black leadership and aspirations, and Open Mic Night, where students shared poetry, music, and spoken words. The Melanin Market celebrated Black entrepreneurship, and one of the most anticipated Black History Month events will be the Triad Cultural Tour on February 19, 2025, at 5 p.m., connecting students to the larger history of Black communities in Winston-Salem.

Students showing their support at the “Blackout Game” for the Salem Spirits Basketball Team

As Black History Month winds down, Salem College plans a meaningful and celebratory ending. Be sure to participate in Melanin Monday, symbolizing unity through color and the Masquerade Ball, to celebrate the night with elegance. Salem College’s Black History Month highlights the past and celebrates prominent figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Maya Angelou, to name a few. Additionally, it aims to recognize existing significant personalities like Kamala Harris, Barack Obama, and Issa Rae, while also developing a new generation of black visionaries.  

Thanks to the Black Student Union’s initiatives, this month has been full of moments of joy and learning, serving as a constant reminder that Black history should be commemorated not just in February, but every day.