Oklahoma Christian University plans to celebrate campus diversity during Black History Month through a special worship service every Monday, campus events and stories during chapel.
Scott Young, dean of spiritual life, organizes the chapel events for Black History Month.
“I think it would be a mistake for us to ignore opportunities to bring recognition and celebration to Black History Month,” Young said. “When you say ‘celebrate Black History Month,’ that’s what I want to do. I want to celebrate Black History Month; I want to celebrate accomplishments. I want to celebrate people who have overcome some really difficult times and done some really amazing things.”
Black History Month kicked off at Oklahoma Christian on Tuesday with a presentation from the Black Student Union.
“We started on Tuesday with the BSU team,” Young said. “They’re going to rotate and read Black history facts at the beginning of every big chapel. They will recognize at least one or two prominent Black figures from the past and tell their story. That’ll be every Monday and Tuesday of February.”
Young said he talked with Memorial Road Church Of Christ Worship Minister Stephen Maxwell about how to integrate worship into Black History Month as a “tool to tell the story and celebrate.”
“Stephen was all in on that,” Young said. “He’s going to be leading Monday worship chapel for the next three Mondays. It will all center on Black History Month, and he’s going to use music and stories to lead us through that.”
Young said he was moved and changed by the “History Speaks” program he saw former Dean of Students Gary Jones institute during his time organizing events for Black History Month at Oklahoma Christian.
“I was always moved and changed by what I heard and saw,” Young said. “The stories I got to listen to and the struggles, but also the victories and the really really hard times, hearing from people who lived those and came through those and are now speaking to that and helping change the world — that’s always a huge impact on me.”
Young said celebrating Black History Month directly relates to Oklahoma Christian’s mission.
“The Kingdom Way says we are working for the good and speaking for the welfare of others,” Young said. “I think OC is about doing that for every student on campus, and not just a certain
group on campus, but for everybody. Our goal is to make that real.”
Young said Oklahoma Christian is a diverse campus and he hopes it always remains that way.
“I mean, you look around this campus and we’re blessed with,” Young said. “We’re actually blessed with quite a bit of diversity, which I love. I hope it’s always that way. Any chance we get to celebrate or honor a certain part of our campus community, I think it’s important that we do that.”
Young said he hopes students from all backgrounds will feel a sense of belonging at Oklahoma Christian.
“I hope students at OC know that no matter where they came from, no matter what their social status is, no matter the color of their skin, OC is a place where you can come and be loved and cared for and taken care of and respected.”
Joshua Aiken, vice president of Oklahoma Christian’s Black Student Union (BSU), said observing Black History Month makes him and others feel valued and honors the legacy of people who came before.
“I think it’s important for OC to continue to observe Black History Month because it makes us feel seen and heard,” Aiken said. “There are successful Black people who have come and graduated or even teach at OC, so I believe continuing to have Black History Month is a great way to continue building on top of that legacy.”
Aiken said he encourages all students to attend BSU events.
“As a student athlete and vice president, I want to say BSU events are for all people,” Aiken said. “Get out of your room and come kick it, even if it’s just for a little bit. You might meet a new friend or two or meet someone who feels exact same way you do.”
Oklahoma Christian will continue to observe Black History Month during February through special additions to chapel on Mondays and Tuesdays.
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