A Recap of Black History Month 2024 with the BSO (Black Student Organization)
As Black History Month nears its end, we sit down with the Black Student Organization (BSO) and reflect on some of the highlights of the month, as well as what Black History Month can teach us as a community not only in February, but the entire year.
“People are more important than just a couple days,” says Elijah Morris ’26. “Having that consciousness of different cultures and the trials that they went through and always keeping that in mind is one way to really grow and understand people.”
Elijah is the vice president of the BSO and takes joy in bringing people together, creating a safe, welcoming space for Black students and sharing Black culture with the larger Valpo community.
“When I was a freshman, I needed that support from people and when I felt like no one else could understand me, I felt understood here,” Elijah says. “I feel that people of color that come to Valpo should definitely ask about this group while they are here. This group is extremely effective in making people of color feel welcome, accepted and know that you are not alone at Valpo.”
During Black History Month, the BSO made it a point to focus on community building, awareness, and group exposure in order to really show people what the BSO stood for and what they plan to achieve. They kicked off the month with their first event, “Soul Food Kickoff,” that featured delicious dishes that are custom to the Black community. The second event, “Sneaker Ball,” was created to bring the members of the group together, as well as students from all over campus to share in the joy of community. The Black History Month dinner was a more formal event that centered around entrepreneurship and Black excellence.
“Each year we have different themes. Last year was mental health in the Black community,” says BSO President, Joseph Sleweon ’26. “This year was entrepreneurship because I feel like in our society there are a lot of people searching for ways to reach financial freedom. I invited former teachers of mine who are also entrepreneurs and my uncle who has run so many businesses over the years. It was a great event and I feel like everyone took something away from it.”
Black History Month celebrates Black excellence and triumphs while also recognizing the trials and hardships that are so deeply rooted in the Black history. For Joseph and Elijah, reflecting on the entirety of Black History was their main focus during the month.
“Black History Month means a lot because in grade school they teach us that (slavery) started in 1619 and I feel like that’s a big problem because it starts far before that. A lot of problems within the Black community stem from a lack of identity,” Elijah says. “To me starting from the roots and working your way up to where we are at today is the best thing we can do.”
Black identity is a cornerstone of Black History Month, but the BSO believes that it should be recognized and talked about throughout the year to help Black students feel comfortable in their surroundings.
“It’s going beyond and understanding the roots. Learning about the contributions that our ancestors made for us to get us to where we are today,” Joseph says. “Do your research and do your part as an individual. That’s what makes the month so special.”
While the events that the BSO hosted were well received with large turnouts, they still feel like their work is not done until every Black student on campus feels comfortable embracing who they are.
“Black students can sometimes feel like they are not seen or like they are the only Black person in class and those insecurities are something we all feel,” Joseph says. “BSO is like a home away from home where we can all talk about it and relate to each other. BSO is one of those places that allows you to connect, it’s a safe space.”
Black History Month might be coming to an end, but the BSO continues their efforts to build community, start conversations, and to do the important work of raising awareness within the Valpo community. And as they continue to find strength in their group, they share some advice with students who may still be struggling to find their people.
“Just take that leap and if you fall, fall forward not back,” Elijah says. “It might be hard at first but tough times don’t last all the time just find your people and it will get better.”
To learn more about the BSO, or to attend any of their upcoming meetings click here
