Tiffin University Celebrates Black History Month

Official TU News Release

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY, TIFFIN, OHIO - TU is celebrating Black History Month with a number of events for students, faculty, staff and community to attend.

Black History is a yearly event that happens in the month of February where African Americans celebrate their heritage. This is time where they recognize those ancestors who made a difference in their very own lives to better the lives of future African American's.

Three student organizations, Student African American Brotherhood (SAAB), (SAASE), and Black United Students (BUS) are holding events to celebrate this month in conjunction with the Office of Institutional Diversity. Events include movie nights, luncheons/socials, discussions with mentors, poetry slams, and a ‘moment in black history’ series/game show.

“Many of Tiffin University organizations are celebrating by incorporating film, cultural celebrations, and forums that will engage the community in conversations on the existing realities of topics related to diversity in honor of Black History Month,” said Sharon Perry-Nause, Director of Institutional Diversity.

Currently, there are 1,521 African American students enrolled at Tiffin University and there are 15 full-time African-America faculty members.

Black History Month is a month set aside to learn, honor, and celebrate the achievements of black men and women throughout history. This year’s theme is ‘At the Crossroads of Freedom and Equality: The Emancipation Proclamation and the March on Washington.’

“Black History Month is a time of reflection and a time to celebrate the many achievements of blacks,” said Perry-Nause.

For a list of facts about African-Americans visit: http://www.history.com/topics/black-history-facts 

For additional information, contact Sharon Perry-Nause at 419.448.3504.

Brief History & Event Details

Our mission is to provide a welcoming campus through education about our unique differences in order to appreciate and understand our diverse world. This month we will incorporate film, cultural celebrations, soul food luncheon, and forums that will engage the community in conversations on the existing realities of topics related to diversity in honor of Black History Month.

Download or View list of events

Origination of Black History Month

Carter G. Woodson, (a Harvard graduate and a member of Omega Psi Phi) founder of what has become known as Black History Month believed weekly celebrations would eventually cease but encouraged teachers to use this time to educate students about Negro history.

Carter G. Woodson and Jesse E. Moorland co-founder of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) in 1915 to educate individuals about the contributions of Black people and their impact in the world.  The name was revised in 1926 when Woodson urged Omega Psi Phi to create Negro History and Literature Week. The month of February was selected as the designed month for the celebration of achievements.  February was chosen based on the contributions of President Abraham Lincoln who issued the Emancipation Proclamation and the abolitionist and proponent of education, Frederick Douglas. Both leaders were born in February. The name was changed to Black History Week in 1970 and expanded to the entire month of February in 1976.

Submitted by: Dr. Sharon Perry-Nause
Assistant Professor of Management
Director of Institutional Diversity