New Black Student Resource Center: A Kickoff for Black History Month

By: Coya Pair

The Black Student Union has put together activities to celebrate black history month at Fort Lewis College, with support from the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center, the Dharma Center, Student Union Productions, Career Services, and the Native American Center.

One of the main events to kick-off Black History Month was the Black Student Resource Center’s grand opening. The new center is located in Jones Hall, room 158, Kaidee Akullo, BSU member said.

“This has been my dream since I was a freshman three years ago,” Akullo said. “We really started doing the work to make this happen at the beginning of this academic year.”

The idea for this center is to be a supportive place for all students, not just members of BSU, in the way that the Native American Center and El Centro de Mucho Colores is, Akullo said.

“It warms my heart that finally we have a designated space for us,” Richard Gillett, BSU member said.

Along with students, the center will be used to mentor youth and connect FLC with the rest of the Durango community, Gillett said.

“It’s a great way to make connections across grade levels. You learn a lot about the school and about yourself by being pushed by older students who can mentor you,” Akullo said

Akullo and Gillett are proud to have started the center, so that future FLC students can feel welcomed and supported.

“If you feel supported, you can sleep better, you can study better, you can be happier overall,” Akullo said. “We can see that more than just the black community here wants to see the black community succeed.” 

Following the Black Student Resource Center grand opening, there will be more activities on campus for anyone to attend.

BSU Game Night

Feb. 4 at 5:30 p.m. in the Black Student Resource Center

“Sorry to Bother You” movie showing and discussion.

Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. in the Vallecito Room in Student Union

Tea at the G: Cues to Colorism

Feb. 7 at 12 p.m. in the Reed Library 145

Waking up to Whiteness: A Mindful Exploration

Feb. 19 at 2 p.m. in the Vallecito Room in Student Union

Striving for Black Excellence: Career Service Basics

Feb. 21 at 1 p.m. in the Black Student Resource Center

Food for Thought: Blackness Undefined

Feb. 25 at 12 p.m. in the Native American Center