Courtesy of Texas Southern University,
Texas Southern University officially kicks off Black History Month on Tuesday, February 1, with a comprehensive calendar of events highlighting the excellence of African Americans and featuring events produced and hosted by students, faculty and staff. A spotlight will be placed on Black history in the city of Houston and on the campus of Texas Southern University. On Wednesday, February 23, a first-ever Black History Month Convocation will honor the contributions of Reverend William A. Lawson, founding pastor emeritus of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, which had its beginnings on the TSU campus. This special event, honoring the Civil Rights and community legend, takes place in Sawyer Auditorium at 11:45 a.m. and is open to the public.
“Honoring Reverend Lawson at our inaugural Black History Month Convocation is the perfect way to show our gratitude for his pioneering leadership in the Third Ward community, at TSU and beyond,” said Dr. Lesia Crumpton-Young, president of Texas Southern University. “At TSU, we are committed to transforming students’ lives, and no one has demonstrated this transformational spirit better than Rev. Lawson.”
Other events include the Thomas F. Freeman Honors College Frederick Douglass lecture series, featuring TSU professor and chair of the music department Dr. Jason Oby. His presentation, “The American Negro Spiritual: Soundtrack of Our Journey” will take place on Tuesday, February 15, at 6 p.m. in the McCoy Auditorium in the Public Affairs Building.
KTSU 90.9 The Choice, along with The Vibe Houston, will highlight Houston-area trailblazers and legends on the air throughout the month, as well as provide history on how the University has made an impact on the city of Houston. KTSU is participating in “Black History Houston,” a series of music and outdoor market events in downtown Houston across from the George R. Brown Convention Center. The events take place Saturdays from 1-5 p.m. and feature a variety of musical talents, including TSU alumni and current members of the broadcast team. KTSU’s The Vibe Houston (vibehouston.com) will conduct a special edition of The Vibe Sessions which will air on The Vibe’s YouTube channel on Friday, February 11, at 8 p.m. This event includes cutting-edge, inspirational music in a casual storytelling format.
The Office of Student Life has created multiple in-person and virtual events for students with the theme “Remembering What They Want Us to Forget.” Activities include movie screenings, Tiny Desk music performance, a virtual Black Art Gallery, a block party, “Family Feud” game, an open mic night, virtual TikTok Challenge, and concluding with The Tiger Ball, a Mardi Gras-themed event with food, music, games and more.
