Black History Month Celebration
“Dear Black People, We exude beauty and excellence beyond measure in every capacity … so, embrace the melanin, embrace the hair, embrace every detail that creates the uniqueness of being black. … We can accomplish anything we so please, so with that, dismiss your doubt and dismiss your fear, because as black people, nothing and no one can hold us down.”
Student Dorrien Mohammed-Matkin spoke these heartfelt words. The kinesiology major and emcee was among campus members who read their “Love Letters to the Black Community — A Night of Affirmation and Support” at the Feb. 4 Black History Month reception. Hosted by President Fram Virjee and his wife, Julie, the celebration featured live jazz music, the screening of “Dear Dark-Skinned Black Girl,” and a menu of culturally relevant foods, such as jollof rice, popular in African countries, fried sweet plantains and collard greens.