February marks the beginning of Black History Month, a time where African American culture is celebrated and acknowledged, as well as its history and contribution. Samford participates in the celebration through various cultural activities and events.
Last year, the Office of Student Success and Diversity held many events including a Black History Month Gala.
This year, the Black Student Union, led by President Kelsey Martin, and Vice president Jayla Duncan, kicked off Black History Month with a week of events.
Those events included a sports night at the campus recreation center, a movie night, a trip to watch the Samford men’s basketball team defeat Mercer 100-79 and a Wild ‘N Out night, where they participated in challenges inspired by the hit show.
IMPACT also joins in on the celebration as they begin their cadre meetings.
IMPACT is an acronym that stands for Inspiring Minorities to Pursue Academics and Community Together. The organization has leaders who offer support networks and knowledge to undergraduate students so that they can get a start in their dream careers.
Impact will also lead an alternative spring break excursion where they will travel to Montgomery, Selma and Georgia for a week of museum tours.
This year the organization welcomed Jhamal Mathis as the new Coordinate of Multicultural Student Support, and Dejanae Tookes as the new Executive Director of Multicultural Initiatives
Impact reaches out to students based on their identity on their application and invites them to a summer orientation via email. These emails are sent out as soon as a student is committed to the school to be invited to the event.
During the event, students can meet the president Beck Taylor, counseling and current students, all while becoming familiar with each other and the campus.
Students are also paired with upper class students to act as their mentor for the school year.
Alongside the many organizational events, are the celebrations of our students, alums and staff.
William Singleton, assistant professor of communication and media, received a reward for groundbreaking research on black journalism from the Newspaper Research Journal.
Niya Pickett Miller, assistant professor of communication studies collaborated with her fellow alum Erin Basinger to publish a work called “Dialogue on Difference: Fat Liberation in Communication” in January.
As we continue to acknowledge the accomplishments of Samford’s community we remember the historical event of The Black Student Union, that made their return to Step Sing in 2025.
Staff Writer
