Kylee McBride
krm001@marietta.edu
People began to recognize February as Black History Month in 1970, which is not as far in the past as you might think. Only half of a century, for one month out of each year, has been spent celebrating black history and all of the historical figures from past, present, and those yet to come. Compared to other national holidays, Black History Month is still fairly new on our calendars. Marietta College has its own ways of recognizing black men and women in history every day, including this month dedicated to them.
In simple terms, Black History Month is a time dedicated to remembering all of the black men and women who have contributed to history. Monica Jones offered her personal meaning of Black History Month: “Black History Month is the opportunity for non-black individuals to learn that Black history is the narrative of American history; I celebrate black history every day by affirming the rich history of achievements, contributions, and milestones of black people all over the world,” said Jones.
Jones is the Chief Diversity Officer within the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at Marietta College, as well as the Associate Dean of Students. She was eager to share her feelings about this celebratory time with students and faculty. “As a black woman, I recognize that my very existence is a tribute to all my ancestors, the ancestors who could only dream about the life that I am blessed to live… being a black woman is a source of pride and a reminder that I stand on the shoulders of giants,” said Jones.
When asked which black women in history and life have inspired her thus far, Jones was quick to bring up her grandmother and all of the people that she was educated about growing up; “She has experienced life as a black woman through segregation, Jim Crow South, ‘Colored Only’ signs, her husband’s signature needed for bank loans and credit cards…My grandmother was an athlete in high school, attended college, birthed six children, suffered a miscarriage, and buried a husband after more than 50 years of marriage…buried two sons, four siblings, and has voted in every single presidential election since 1942,” said Jones. It is clear that her grandmother has experienced many hardships, as well as accomplishments throughout her life.
She explained that her grandmother was also awarded various awards and titles during her 95 Years, such as “Worthy Matron of Prince Hall Order of Eastern Star”, “Church Mother of the AME Tradition”, and many more. Jones shared that her grandmother was able to own her own business, “…with her own savings and checking account because every woman deserves financial stability in her own right.” She was alive for the assassination of Reverend, Doctor Martin Luther King Jr., and Malcolm X, as well as Red-Lining, but remains in the home that she built with Jones’ late grandfather. “She has attended every graduation from pre-school to graduate school, and she continues to be the living role model of grace, humility, fortitude, and love for our family,” said Jones.
Being a faculty member on campus, Jones is educated on the efforts Marietta College has made to recognize black excellence over the course of history. “Marietta College has embraced its own history as an institution of higher education,” said Jones. She was able to provide a brief timeline of the college’s place in black history. In 1835 Marietta College had a direct link to the Underground Railroad, which was a system that helped to free countless slaves during colonial times. “Students absorbed the city’s ethic of supporting abolitionism. They helped fugitive slaves take shelter at the college…to help slaves reach freedom in northern states and Canada,” said Jones.
There are names of certain buildings on campus that come from significant black men or women in history. “Harrison Hall is an outward acknowledgment of the college’s commitment in recognizing the trailblazers who have shaped Marietta College for the benefit of students who attend today,” continued Jones, “Although we cannot change the past…those of us who see colleges and universities as true change agents have the responsibility to position our institutions to face the truth and reconcile to address the injustices that have been committed in the name of education and enlightenment,” said Jones.
While Black History Month is not the only month-long celebration of historical people and events in the world, it is considered important by many due to the intense trials and tribulations, to put it lightly, that all black men and women have experienced since the dawn of time. There are countless struggles that they experience every day, which is another reason why Black History Month is celebrated. “Black History Month deepens our understanding of our nation’s history rooted in colonialism, enslavement, and terror. Black History Month is the reminder that the work to recognize all of humanity continues,” said Jones.
