Fernanda Gonzalez
Last Tuesday, the Center for Student Involvement hosted “History in Harmony: Black History Month.” Students had the opportunity to access resources, build connections and learn more about the contributions of African-Americans to the country.
Co-Founder and co-President of Village in the Valley, Theresa Gatling said Black History Month is now a national holiday.
“It is something that is very important,” Gatling said. “I think to us especially as Americans but really across the world. To recognize the contributions of black Americans, whether in inventing or in pharmacology, or medicine, or being a lawyer or writers, poets, actors.”
She said the celebration of Black History Month is not only to share about the people who contributed, but also to highlight the culture.
Program Coordinator for the Center of Student Involvement Jacqueline Hernandez expressed the importance of celebrating events like this one.
“We wanted to share that with the students,” Hernandez said. “So, they can know the importance behind the black community and the importance that it served within our community here in the RGV.”
The event showcased community organizations such as Village in the Valley and the Black Student Union, to educate students on black community involvement, and black community initiatives.
Gatling said Village in the Valley creates ‘the black experience’ in the Rio Grande Valley. It is a non-profit organization, with a lot of opportunities to engage the community.
“It’s just a lot of things we do in addition to just coming together and enjoying each other and celebrating who we are and the things we like to do,” she said.
Integrated health science sophomore Vanessa Ochoa said it is important to have diversity and inclusion on campus.
For more information about Village in the Valley students can visit, villageinthevalley.org
This is Fernanda Gonzalez for Vaquero Radio.
