Celebration

Black History Month provides time to highlight people making waves

This month is a remembrance of the history of black Americans, as Black History Month is celebrated at the University.

But as the community celebrates the month, we need to remember that the University is still not as diverse as it could be. As of October, the minority student population was little more than 10 percent. That's all minorities at the University -- including African Americans, Latinos, Asian-Pacific Islanders and Native Americans.

"But as the community celebrates the month, we need to remember that the University is still not as diverse as it could be."

So, during this month, let's recognize some of the minority student groups and University leaders who bring a diverse perspective to the campus.

Black Caucus: Rashid Njai, president. This group is sponsoring and coordinating events throughout February. Some include as follows: Malcolm X Grassroots Movement presentation of "Critical Race and Feminism Theory Workshop" at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in the HUB Ballroom; Café Latino, co-sponsored with Latino Caucus on Wednesday at University Perk, 317 E. Beaver Ave., cost is $2 at the door; Malcolm X lecture at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18 in the Paul Robeson Cultural Center.

National Pan-Hellenic Council: Sabrina Kum and Hakim J. Washington, co-presidents.

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People: Sandra Choute, president.

African Student Association: Jimmy Adegoke, president.

Let's also recognize some of the minority student leaders and University administrators who take steps to make this campus more diverse:

William Asbury, vice president of student affairs

H. Jesse Arnelle, former president of the University Board of Trustees

John Polk, vice president of the Undergraduate Student Government

James Stewart, vice provost for educational equity

Terrell Jones, associate vice provost for educational equity

Charles Dumas, associate professor of theatre

Sharlene Marbury, assistant director of the Paul Robeson Cultural Center

Kenneth Clarke, director of the Center for Ethics and Religious Affairs

Joseph Selden, director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs for the College of Communications

Lawrence Young, director of the Paul Robeson Cultural Center

Jason Yates, 1997 Mr. Black Penn State

Lurie Daniel, the newly crowned Miss Black Penn State

This is not a complete list but just an example of minority administrators and leaders who help shape the University community.

So, during Black History Month, take time and recognize these great people, attend some events and educate this campus on the definition of diversity.