On Tuesday, Feb. 11, Grand Valley State University’s National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) presented a Black Historical Living Museum, which educated those in attendance on prominent African American figures, as well as the history of NPHC fraternities and sororities. Taking place during Black History Month, the event aimed to promote multicultural awareness of both a broader historical context and Greek organizations.
At the Black Historical Living Museum event, students were greeted by the GVSU chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) upon entering Kirkhof Center’s Grand River Room. Those in attendance were able to learn about historical African American figures, as well as hear presentations given by historically Black fraternities and sororities.
Notable figures discussed during the event included Lionel Richie, Ethel Hedgemon Lyle, Michael Jordan, Shirley Chisholm, Huey P. Newton and Sandra Bland. Representatives from GVSU’s fraternities and sororities presented information about the figures and the role they played in both their fields and African American history as a whole. The museum’s interactive component kept participants engaged and interested in learning about the individuals discussed and the organizations that raised awareness of them.
Also known as the Divine 9, NPHC upholds the legacy of historically Black fraternities and sororities. Currently, Grand Valley State University has five active organizations that fall under this category– Alpha Phi Alpha, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Phi Beta Sigma and Sigma Gamma Rho, which were highlighted during the event. While each organization has its own individual outreach program, they are all united in their goals of developing the local community, encouraging education and fostering connection among college students.
Attendees were also provided with a “historical passport.” Upon visiting each organization’s table, students got to check off boxes in their passports. Each organization chose a member they wished to highlight in the form of a presentation.
“The purpose of (the) event (was) to highlight and inform people on impactful African American figures who have made a difference in the Black community,” said Antonio Green, NPHC president at GVSU.
According to Green, the aforementioned fraternities and sororities were founded during racial segregation and provided spaces for Black students to develop leadership skills, foster lifelong bonds and engage in community service.
“Our NPHC organizations at Grand Valley have played a very pivotal role in enhancing student life, promoting diversity and encouraging academic and personal growth within the University community,” Green said.
Kaiya Smith, NPHC vice president at the University, said the council was inspired to host the event in an effort to educate students on Black History Month and historically Black fraternities and sororities.
“This event came about because our council wanted to find a way to inform people on the importance of Black history and the significance of Divine 9 organizations,” Smith said. “We thought this would be a great way to do both in one (event).”
Black History Month focuses on recognizing the history and accomplishments of the African American community by encouraging students to educate themselves and foster both diversity and a sense of belonging. The Black Historical Living Museum and similar events aim to educate students on important figures and organizations that can develop multicultural awareness.
Two more events related to Black History Month are scheduled to take place throughout February at the University. Taste of Soul will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 19, and the Black Business Pop-Up will be held the following Wednesday, Feb. 26.
