The Angelina Pedroso Center hosted the first event for Northeastern Illinois University’s (NEIU) celebration of Black History Month; the Kick Off Program Reception.

Meagan Mitchell, director of the African American Resource Center, hosted the event along with two student leaders of the Black Heritage Club.

The reception started off with Meagan Mitchell introducing a game of Jeopardy that featured African American facts. Participants who answered questions right got a free t-shirt that says Black History Month on the front and Northeastern on the back.

Included with facts, athletes and actors were questions about Ronald Williams the first African-American president of NEIU, whom the library is named after.

Even if students didn’t participate, there were other ways to receive a shirt; Shatara Mitchell, a student aide  and Black Heritage Community member, BHC, who helped organize and host the event said to wear the t-shirts on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the month of February.

African-Americans were not the only guests, but other nationalities as well. NEIU is a diverse school and this event allowed everyone to become acquainted with black history.  

“It’s important for all people to know about different cultures, and to value who they are and what makes them unique,” Mitchell said about other cultures participating in black history month activities.

There will be six other events that will be held for Black History Month. The next one is on February 16, a film screening at the Pedroso Center of “Dear White People” from 2pm to 4pm. For a full list, visit the NEIU upcoming events page online.