Kent State University: The Birthplace of Black History Month
KENT, Ohio — In a significant historical revelation, Kent State University has been identified as the birthplace of Black History Month, with its roots tracing back to the 1969-1970 academic year when the Black United Students (BUS) organization launched the celebration long before it gained national recognition. This local initiative marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for Black representation and empowerment in the United States.
Mwatabu Okantah, a professor in the Department of Africana Studies at Kent State and the faculty adviser to BUS, reflects on the importance of this legacy. Having first entered the university as a student in 1970, Okantah quickly became an integral part of BUS, eventually serving as its vice president. Throughout his time at Kent, he engaged with prominent figures who played vital roles in the Black liberation movement, including activist Angela Davis and poet Nikki Giovanni.
Established in 1968, BUS aimed to support, unify, and advocate for Black students at Kent State. Its early efforts included participating in a walkout to protest against the Oakland Police Department’s recruitment on campus, an action symbolic of broader national struggles within the Black community. “I think those students understood that they were part of a larger Black student movement that was sweeping the country,” Okantah noted.
Before the recognition of Black History Month, Black history was celebrated as Negro History Week, a program initiated by historian Carter G. Woodson in 1926. BUS devoted an entire year to gain support from educators for expediting the recognition of February as Black History Month. This long-awaited transformation commenced in February 1970 when BUS organized a monthlong celebration dedicated to acknowledging the achievements, struggles, and contributions of African Americans.
The importance of this history is amplified in the context of contemporary challenges. Black History Month has evolved, serving not only as a time of reflection but also as a platform for activism. Current BUS president, Khori Davis, emphasizes the organization’s ongoing responsibility to advocate for Black students and to act as allies for other marginalized communities on campus. “We support, you know, Black students on campus, but we stand at the forefront of activism for a lot of communities on campus,” Davis stated.
However, the mission initiated by previous generations continues to confront difficulties. Recent federal changes aimed at eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion programs have affected many student organizations across the country, including BUS. While the organization retains its name, it no longer benefits from direct funding from Kent State, which has forced members to adapt and innovate. The cancellation of crucial events, such as the Karamu Ya Wahitimu, a special graduation ceremony for minority students, sheds light on the ongoing challenges faced by organizations committed to advancing racial equity.
Davis expressed her awareness of these obstacles, stating, “We are living post-SB1. There’s been a lot of changes.” The urgency of preserving the traditions established by past leaders remains clear as current members seek to sustain the legacy of BUS. Okantah, serving as a mentor, encourages the newer generation to draw from the organization’s rich history while paving the way for future success. “Their present was our vision of the future,” he remarked.
As Okantah prepares to retire from his position as chair of the Department of Africana Studies this year, he leaves behind a legacy deeply intertwined with Kent State’s narrative. He reflects on the evolution of the program, which began in 1969 as The Institute for African American Affairs, transitioning through various name changes before settling as the Department of Africana Studies in 2021.
The significance of recognizing Kent State University as the birthplace of Black History Month cannot be overstated. It highlights the power of student-led initiatives to influence national dialogues, emphasizing the ongoing need for representation and advocacy in educational institutions. Gathering both students and faculty in a shared mission fosters a space for intersectional activism, where diverse communities can unite for equity and justice.
As future generations of students at Kent State look toward their own role in this rich history, the importance of Black History Month serves as a beacon for ongoing activism and awareness. The commitment to advocating for structural change within and beyond the campus environment remains crucial, shaping a narrative that continues to evolve in the face of systemic challenges. The determination of current and future leaders, inspired by the legacy of Kent State, signifies a willingness to stand firm against oppression while forging new paths toward justice and equality for all.
