Continuing to create: GVSU students celebrate Black History Month through student showcase

The Blackout is part of Black History Month programming held by Grand Valley's Office of Multicultural Affairs. Tables and posters filled the Kirkhof Center lobby for 16 different Black and Afro-led student organizations during this year's Blackout, held on February 7.

This year, the theme for Grand Valley's Black History Month events is "Continuing to Create". Phillip Todd, assistant director of the Office for Multicultural Affairs, said the theme was inspired by the students themselves.

"I really wanted to make sure that we're focusing on them," Todd said. "They are the ones actively creating Black history every single day."

One of those students was Rodney Hackman, a member of the student groups BLACK, Black Male Scholars, and Black Excellence. He said he hopes all students find a group that gives them the same sense of community that he found.

"Joining these groups is only going to benefit you," Hackman said. "They care about you, we all want you here. You have nothing to worry about."

Following student organization tabling, several student organizations had the chance to perform as cheers bounced off the halls of Kirkhof Center. Hackman said the event helps display a sense of pride from all of the organizations.

"It's a chance to showcase all of the hard work they've been putting in and what they're all about," he said. "It's amazing for everybody to come out and witness it."

The rest of the events being held for Black History Month are all designed to support students in their journeys as they create Black history. Upcoming events include a Black Business Pop-up, where students can promote their businesses and sell their products, a Black Historical Living Museum, where they'll share information about historical figures and a Taste of Soul event highlighting soul food from a local vendor.

MORE: Read about how students are celebrating Black History Month.