Today marks the beginning of Black History Month, and NIU is doing its part to help raise awareness on black history and the contributions made by black people everywhere.

Event planning began in October, said LaVerne Gyant, director of the Center for Black Studies. The center works with numerous organizations such as the Black Student Union, the Black Choir, the Latino Resource Center, the Women’s Resource Center and various other departments around campus to plan the events to take place in February.

Black History Month began as a week-long celebration in 1926 called Negro History Week, according to the Center for Black Studies’ Web site. NIU designated February as Black History Month in 1971 and it was recognized nationally in 1976.

“The activities we will be having include a film discussion, several lectures, and we have programs that are being continued from previous years,” Gyant said.

Along with the programs that have been done in past years, there are many new events being held over this month, she said. The opening ceremony, called “Black Legacies,” will be held Thursday and includes different organizations giving presentations about prominent black figures.

The school districts in surrounding areas will also be celebrating Black History Month with programs of their own, such as an African drumming show and a presentation on Secretary of State Jesse White.

Derrick Smith, academic counselor for the Center for Black Studies, said this month will be one of the most active Black History Months NIU has had.

The recognition of Black History Month continues to be important for students and citizens alike to become fully aware of the struggles black people have gone through, along with contributions that have been made to the country as a whole, Gyant said. For instance, while most people talk about famous black icons like Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks, there are a great number of people who have done equally important things that many are not aware of, such as Malcolm X and Madame C.J. Walker.

Black History Month provides students with the opportunity to learn about contributions black people have made that they wouldn’t likely learn about in the classroom, Smith said. The events taking place throughout the month will provide valuable information.

“I strongly believe that if you don’t recognize Black History Month, you’re really missing out on what this country’s about,” Gyant said.