February is Black History Month, but Black history goes well beyond just one month of the year. Individuals in the Mississippi State University community are exploring how to push the boundaries of the month and use the whole year as a time of teaching, learning, celebrating and acknowledging African American culture and history.
Donald Shaffer, director of the African American Studies program and professor of English, explained it is vital to have an inclusive and accepting environment at the university.
Shaffer said the African American Studies program garnered attention and enthusiasm from students and faculty alike when it began in 2008. As director of the program, he emphasizes the importance of creating welcoming spaces for students and teaching a curriculum that represents the student body.