Vistors come to the Fresno State Peace Garden every February
during National Black History Month to honor Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr. In 2008, these visitors left flowers to honor King.
Joseph Vasquez/ Collegian File Photo

Every February, Black History Month is held across the nation to honor African-American history, and the struggles endured during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is always a big part of the ceremonies across the nation and will be highlighted during the kick off of African Peoples’ History Month on campus, starting Wednesday.

Students and faculty have joined in efforts to help National Black History Month gain exposure. The African Peoples’ History Month committee has been on top of coordinating a celebration in honor of African-American culture.

Events will take place both on and off campus and are arranged on a calendar throughout the month. The events calendar is available for viewing online and will also be presented on campus this Thursday.

Senior Brittny Gilbert has been at work in preparation for African Peoples’ History Month and all the events that it encompasses. She has high hopes that the student body will get involved.

“The reason we are calling it African Peoples’ History Month is because African goes back further than black people, it broadens history,” Gilbert said.

Feb. 1 is the kick off of African Peoples’ History Month, and all interested students and faculty are welcome to attend. Opening ceremonies will take place at the Fresno State Peace Garden at noon. The event will be held near the monument that honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The opening ceremonies will give students the opportunity to explore the Peace Garden that was created in 1990.

Peace activist Mohandas Gandhi was the first historical character to receive his own statue in the Peace Garden, followed by Cesar Chavez in 1996.

The unveiling of the most recent dedication monument took place in 1998 and pays­ respect to King.

A list of potential future additions to the gardens can be found online.

Each year, there is a theme presented for the African Peoples’ History Month and this year it is centered on African women. African women such as civil rights activist Rosa Parks will be honored during this month. Discussions of these womens’ contributions to history will take place, as well as celebrations for their works as historical figures in black history.

Speakers and artists along with films and art exhibits are all included in Fresno State’s celebration of Black History Month. Those who attend will be taught the meaning of the month and how it came into existence.

Historical figures are not the only ones who will be honored this month. Students will be honored as well. The Rosa Parks Awards reception, which will take place on Tuesday Feb. 22, will be highlighting students in academics and community service.

The Center for Women and Culture organized the school’s celebrations to honor the month this year.

Gilbert is also involved in the Center for Women and Culture. When asked for her reasoning behind getting on this team she said, “I wanted to increase the amount of black representation on campus.”