Friday marked the beginning of African American Heritage Month, more commonly referred to as Black History Month, a period to celebrate and become knowledgeable about the impact of African Americans in society.

The month of February was chosen by Carter G. Woodson, a Harvard graduate whose parents were former slaves.

Woodson was disturbed that blacks were completely ignored in the history books, so he deemed the second week in February “Negro History Week” in 1926, which later formulated into Black History Month.

Woodson chose this particular week because it holds the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, two men who helped the American black population gain freedom and respect.

Many milestones in African American history occurred during the month of February.

On Feb. 3, 1870, the United States Congress passed the 15th Amendment, granting African Americans the right to vote.

On Feb. 25, 1870, the first African American U.S. senator, Hiram R. Revels, took his oath into office.

Eastern has many activities in store to celebrate Black History Month.

Mitze Dunn, academic advisor of the Gateway program and chair of the African American Heritage Month activity planning, said several “really good” activities are on deck for February at Eastern.

Dunn mentioned that a blood and bone marrow drive, the Miss Black EIU pageant, a gospel concert and the African American Heritage Banquet are key upcoming events.

The African American Heritage Banquet, scheduled for Feb. 16, will feature the Najwa Dance Corps, sponsored by a $1,000 grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, Dunn said.

Dunn mentioned that Annette Samuels, an assistant journalism professor, will present a lecture on African Americans in the media on Feb. 11.

“(Samuels) worked for President Jimmy Carter,” Dunn said. “She has a wealth of information.”

Dunn also commented that the “Photographic Images and the History of African Americans in Coles County” exhibit at the Tarble Arts Center, which officially opened last Thursday, is very “interesting” and worth a look.

“(The exhibit) is great because it shows people actually from this area,” Dunn said.

“It gives us a feel for black history in Coles County.”

Dunn said that most Black History Month activities were “well attended” by Eastern students last year. This year, however, Dunn is hoping for a better community turnout.

“Many people are really excited about this month, and it should be very interesting,” Dunn said. “I don’t care what race you are; there will be something interesting for everyone.

“Not only are the activities fun, this entire month can be a learning experience.”

Dunn also mentioned that the importance of African American Heritage Month goes beyond that of blacks in history.

“Everyone has a heritage that they should be proud of.”