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Galloway, N.J. – As the wind whistled through the flags on display in the Arts & Sciences Circle, the briskness of the evening began settling in as the sun made its descent behind the speakers sitting in front of the crowd. Soon, Professor of Music Beverly Vaughn’s gloved fingers masterfully glided along on the keys of her piano.

The Feb. 4 ceremony, a flag raising that kicks off ��������app’s celebration of Black History Month, included stirring remarks from student leaders on the importance of Black heritage. 

Students Elizabeth Macklin and My’Air Henry – president and vice president, respectively, of the – opened the program by reflecting on the current state of the world.

“In today's climate, it is especially clear how important it is to be unified and to recognize that our strength lies in education, commemoration and community,” Macklin said. “As we continue today, please remember the purpose of this flag and how essential it is to maintain solidarity amongst each other, not only during Black History Month but throughout our everyday lives.”

“We know that, beyond this space, there are efforts to silence or erase Black history, but let's be clear: our history is not up for debate,” said Henry. “It is woven into the very fabric of this nation, and no policy can erase the impact we have made and continue to make.” 

Lynnsey Raphael, a junior who serves as the president of the (CSA), echoed Henry during her speech, saying that Black history is “world history.”

“[Black history is] the foundation of science, art, literature and civil rights that has shaped societies across the globe from the shores of Africa to the streets of Selma, from the brilliance of ancient scholars to the resilience of modern-day trailblazers. Black History Month is a testament to strength, innovation and perseverance,” said Raphael. 

The theme of perseverance and resilience continued as William Latham, interim vice president for Student Affairs, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to celebrating and honoring Black history. 

“Celebrating Black history is important, needed and crucial, as My’Air said. We want our students to know that we are certainly for and about supporting you in all aspects of your student experience here, and that's what's important to us as a senior leadership team,” Latham said.

As the green, red and black striped flag flew up the flagpole, Music major Destanee Bright dazzled the crowd with the full rendition of “Lift Ev’ry Voice.”

As the program concluded, the student leaders for UBSS, CSA, the African Student Organization, and Stockton’s chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People invited and encouraged the campus community to attend their upcoming events throughout the month of February. 

– Story by Loukaia Taylor

– Photos by Susan Allen 

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