Ole Miss Celebrates Black History Month, university capitalizes on 'black history' of its own

"The University of Mississippi is fortunate to have a wealth of opportunities for individuals to attend during this year’s Black History Month. The Black History Month Committee works hard each year to provide quality events and to encourage departments and student organizations to host events. These events offer individuals occasions for reflection, introspection, celebration, and education."

-Valeria Ross, Assistant Dean of Students for Multicultural Affairs and Volunteer Services

The University of Mississippi has plenty of events lined up in lieu of February, or Black History Month, but Ole Miss's storied past makes the month much more than just remembrance.

James Meredith statue on campus

Ole Miss helped make what is considered black history. From James Meredith to more modern day black firsts, the University of Mississippi is continuously writing its own story of black history.


The university is featuring everything from guest lectures to museum exhibits to dance and music performances, covering topics from African Diaspora to Civil Rights, the university has planned programming for every day of the month, all in celebration.


The University of Mississippi Museum is highlighting parts of a permanent collection during the month to encourage appreciation of Western African history. The selection Richard K. Meyer collection, as donated by the late Meyer, is a collection of works from the Dogon, Ibo and Yoruba cultures.

mask from Meyer collection

"We appreciate anyone who comes in and is able to find and celebrate a part of their heritage," Collections Manager Marti Funke said.


"There is a lot of history behind the collection and we are happy to share that. Most people of Western African heritage would be able to find ties; it's a very widespread collection."


Just before the kick off of Black History Month, The Overby Center hosted the premier of "Not in Our Town," a PBS documentary showing the reaction to the removal of "From Dixie With Love" amongst students and even the Ku Klux Klan.


Toran Dean, a senior from Hattiesburg, Miss., was one of the students featured in the film. Dean notes that while many Black History Month celebrations center around previous events, that was not the documentary's focus.

Toran, third from left, on panel discussing the documentary

"The documentary was not to point out what's wrong with Ole Miss," Dean said. "But instead, it's a look at how far we've come."


Ole Miss hosted the first black Associated Student Body president Nic Lott in a kick off celebration last week.

Nic with Senator John McCain

Lott gave a speech in the Union Lobby addressing students, faculty, staff and alumni. Lott took the audience back the integration of Ole Miss with James Meredith as the first black student.


"A lot of folks today take advantage of the opportunities they have been afforded without knowing the sacrifices and the tremendous courage that people had during those dark, evil days in our state," Lott told the Daily Mississippian.


The Theatre Department at Ole Miss has also worked to bring in several dance companies, specializing in contemporary lyrical style as well as African-inspired choreography.

Evidence, A Dance Company of Brooklyn, New York that performed at the Ford Center

"It was great to get to watch and learn from the companies we brought in," Brittani Acuff, sophomore and Theatre Dance minor said.


"Dance has many basic elements that people don't realize such as moves that come from traditional African dances."


Ole Miss Greek Life is also bringing in a guest speaker. Ole Miss isn't typically praised for the separate black and white Greek systems, so sorority member and senior Brittany Richardson is anxious to see the attention drawn to the subject.

Brittany, center with headband, with sorority sisters

"I'm looking forward to hearing coming in to speak about diversity in Greek life," Richardson said.


"I think it's something both the black and white Greek systems at Ole Miss can benefit from."


Andrew Benefield, a senior from Jackson, Miss. who plans on attending several of the events, is just proud that the university is capitalizing on its past.


"I'm glad the university takes measures to celebrate how far we have come," he said.


"Black History Month is just a reminder that as an African American, we didn't get here alone," Dean said. "The struggle and accomplishments of blacks before us got us here today."


Whether an appreciative artist or dancer, reflective African native or black American, or witnessing Ole Miss student or professor, there is something scheduled this month for everyone. For a complete listing of events, visit http://zing.olemiss.edu/category/celebrating-black-history/.