The “I am Diverse” Club worked with Social Sciences teachers Stephane Barile and Rebecca Fisher to design a bulletin board celebrating Black History Month.

It presents important events in  African American history and connects them with Notre Dame, Hallmark #3: “We educate for and act on behalf of social justice and peace in the world.”

Junior Rachel Liu expressed her appreciation for the board.  She said, “I think it’s a good way to raise awareness, and I like that they have it this year. They have not had this in recent years, and I like how it connects the past and presents and discusses the impact of African-Americans on our history.”

The club is collaborating with the Feminism Club to screen and discuss the movie, “Hidden Figures.” It is also collaborating with the  Advocate Club to screen and discuss the documentary, “From Selma to Stonewall.”

Director of Student Life and Wellness Denise Uhl spoke enthusiastically about the board. She said, “I admire the passion that our students are showing in their commitment to Black History Month and diversity in general. These students recognized something that was significantly needed at school, and I couldn’t be prouder of these students for putting diversity issues forward… I think that they put it up in a way that allows the education to come through. It is really thoughtful and well done, and I think they should be proud of it.”

Black History Month has been celebrated in the United States since the early 1900s. It began with Negro History Week in the 1920s, celebrated in February to coincide with the birthdays of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Frederick Douglass on the 12th and the 14th, respectively.

In 1969, black students and educators from Kent State University proposed the celebration of Black History Month, and it was observed for the first time in 1970.

Throughout the 1970s, the movement expanded throughout cultural and educational centers, and was officially recognized by U.S. President Gerald Ford in 1976. It has since expanded and is celebrated by several other countries, with some nations recognizing other months.