Black History is not just one month

What comes to mind when the word February is heard?

Some people might think about roses, heart shaped candies and romantic dinners. But the month of February holds a different meaning for some.

February is Black History Month. The month, which actually began as a week long celebration, started in 1926.

Dr. Carter G. Woodson, Harvard graduate and founder of the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History, started the tradition.

Over 80 years later, and the month is still used to honor the achievements and contributions of African Americans in our society.

Thanks to clubs like the African American Student Union (AASU), the Student Activities Board (SAB) and the Club of Educational Opportunity (CEO), CFCC has a full schedule of events for the month.

These clubs, and Student Support Services, led by Director Lisa Smith, have 10 events scheduled for this year's Black History Month.

Student Support Services is one of the TRIO programs at CFCC that is funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Its purpose is to help low-income, first generation college students complete a two year degree.

The director, Lisa Smith, said that the TRIO program at CFCC gets very involved with helping students. She said they are proud and excited to help celebrate the history of African Americans.

"This is a special time for us, to celebrate who we are," Smith said. "Black History is not just one month. This is something that we need to do every day, to recognize our culture.

The first event to kick off the month is free HIV/AIDS testing. This event, which is sponsored by the AASU, is a way for students to honor the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day that happens on Sunday, Feb. 7.

Last semester, in November, a testing day was held. The amount of students and faculty that came to get tested was so large that the AASU ran out of testing kits.

This time around, the event is a little different. In November the HIV/AIDS testing was a part of a larger health festival, but Feb. 1 will be dedicated strictly to testing for HIV.

Two guest speakers will speak this month, one of whom is presenting a film he produced. Reginald Bullock will present his short film "A War for Your Soul" on Feb. 3 at noon in the Ewers Center.

There will also be two music events, a talent competition, a day to honor TRIO students and a soul food luncheon.

The soul food luncheon, which is being catered by Lara B's Chicken and Waffles, is an event that is held every year. The AASU and the Visual and Performing Arts department provide students and faculty with entertainment and food.

"Dr. Jennifer Fryns, the director of Visual and Performing Arts, has been providing the entertainment for that," Smith said. "This year she is providing African dancers. That's really exciting."

This year is the Student Support Services 20th year serving the Ocala campus and they are having a ceremony to celebrate the program's successes. This event, called TRIO day, will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 17, in the Webber Center.

Dejuan Mills, 22, criminal justice major and AASU president said the club is greatly involved in Black History Month.

"We look forward to doing something for Black History Month every year," Mills said. "It means a lot. What people don't realize is that they tend to forget where we come from."