Members of the University of Memphis Chapter of NAACP and Black History Month Committee host an interactive museum in the University Center atrium on Monday afternoon. The showcase featured influential individuals who shaped Black history such as Josephine Baker, a former French vedette, singer and entertainer, who is characterized above by student Raven Copeland.
As students entered the University Center Monday afternoon, a few familiar faces captured their attention.
The University of Memphis’ chapter of the NAACP hosted part one of “Bringing Black History to Life,†where student models stood on small block podiums from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. dressed as black activists, athletes and more.
“It makes me proud – it is original, and it blew my mind,†said Kendre Brown, dietetics senior, about the display.
Rosa Parks, Langston Hughes and Jackie Robinson were a few of the 18 historical figures represented in the live museum. Like all museum exhibits, spectators were able to read the history of each person.
Viewers of the live museum receive free pizza by telling representatives facts they learned from each exhibit. Other than the food, vice president of U of M’s chapter of the NAACP Clivona Burse wanted the observers to take more away from the event.
“I think it was time that we bring black history to life,†Burse said. “It was a great way to get students engaged and interactive, rather than just seeing it on exhibition.â€
The NAACP wasn’t the only organization on campus to bring awareness to Black History Month. The Student Activities Council hosted part two of the live museum as well as SAC Café.
Starting at 6 p.m., guests entered the first room, which was called “the struggle room.†This room explored the struggles African Americans have faced from leaving Africa to the present day. The second room was the “Success Room.†It highlighted the accomplishments of African Americans like Michelle Obama, Billie Holiday and Misty Copeland.
Students then continued to walk through the live museum to the third exhibit, “African Americans vs. the Education System.†Guests were able to experience the emotions that African American students felt while integrating into Little Rock Central High School. In the last room, students watched a dance performance from the U of M’s EBIN, who performed dances dating from the ‘20s to the present day.
“Memphis is a PWI (Predominantly White Institution), so knowing that I am doing something to uplift the black community is exciting,†said Joshua Nichols, a student participant.
After the live museum, students then moved to SAC Café: Black History Month Edition. The event offered an open mic to all artists, poets and musicians.
The Ideas and Issues committee of SAC played a major role in planning and executing the event. The committee chair, Ashton Toone, felt that it was important for the U of M to have these events because they represent the student body, and it’s an opportunity for students to learn, grow and challenge themselves outside of the classroom.
“This is everything – I don’t remember having anything like this when I was a student,†U of M alumna Anna Adams said.
During the entire month of February, students will be able to celebrate on campus through forums, a formal ball and much more. A closing ceremony will conclude the celebration Feb. 28in the UC Bluff room at noon.Â
