February is Black History Month and Delta will host an event featuring Dr. Chike Akua on Feb. 25 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Atherton Auditorium.
Lead organizer of the event Ethnic Studies Professor, Dr. Malika Hollinside explained what the event is about and how the message of the event is going to be represented.
“The Delta College Ethnic Studies Department is proud to offer a powerful presentation by Dr. Chike Akua who is an educational leader, scholar, author, motivational speaker and an associate professor of Educational leadership from Clark Atlanta University. This event is offered to provide hope, inspiration, optimism, affirmation and empowerment to Delta students and all who attend,” said Hollinside.
Dr. Akua is featured in the event, with a presentation titled “From History to Destiny: What Does it Mean to be Black?”
The presentation will consist of insight to experiences such as culture, challenges and triumphs that are shared by Black and African Americans, from the African Continent to the United States.
Professor and Track/Cross Country Coach Lauryn Seales noted a main objective of the event for those attending.
“Black history events help students connect with the true identity of Black culture by providing historical context, fostering community and reclaiming overlooked narratives. I recently had a conversation with my father and how he experienced school at a time when Black teachers played an active role in student’s success and not just in the classroom but in the community that deep sense of cultural investment is something we should all strive for in every educational space today ensuring that Black students have role models and resources that reflect their experiences and aspirations,” said Seales.
The focus of this event is for people to learn from Akua while he addresses important educational points to best help students learn more about Black history as a whole.
The event is free to attend.
Dance Professor/Department Chair Valerie Gnassounou noted insight on how important it is to represent Black history while living in America.
“Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate our African American ancestors,” said Gnassounou through email. “And honor those who paved the way and recognize their achievements. We stand where we are today because of their struggles, dedication and commitment to social justice. Too often, history books fail to fully acknowledge if not at all the accomplishments of Black and African Americans, so it’s our responsibility as educators to teach our students those stories from our own lens.”
