Kalah Neal didn’t worry too much about making friends when she arrived at the George Washington University. Unlike many first years, Neal—now a junior who jokingly describes herself as an “extreme extrovert”—wasn’t afraid to knock on her neighbors’ doors or to hang out by the security desk in her residence hall, striking up conversations with anyone who looked interesting.
A double major in international affairs and political science, Neal has strong friendships across a variety of geographic, cultural and sociopolitical backgrounds. She’s also found special pride, friendship and community as an active participant in Black life on campus, where her numerous organizational commitments include the executive board of the Black Student Union and the planning committee of this year’s Black Heritage Celebration (BHC).
“Studying international affairs with my concentration on security policy, it can be hard as a Black American—and being a girl is a double whammy—because there aren’t many of us from that background,” Neal said. “But I feel like growing up Black in America, especially with grandparents who experienced Jim Crow, affects your perspective on conflict resolution and on policy and lawmaking in more ways than people might think. It helps you see how choices and policies made by one group can affect other groups. That understanding helps widen and change everyone’s perspective.”
Institutions across the country celebrate Black history and heritage in February, a tradition instigated by the efforts of author and historian Carter G. Woodson in the 1920s and formally recognized by President Gerald Ford in 1976.
“I am proud to join the GW community and the nation in celebrating Black History Month,” GW President Ellen M. Granberg said. “Together, we recognize and honor the vital role Black people have played throughout this country’s history and the tremendous impact of the Black community here at GW and in the District. This month—and every month—we have opportunities to fill in the missing chapters in American history and honor all that Black people have meant to this country, its founding, its growth, its past, present and future. Let’s join together to do that work, reflecting, celebrating and renewing our steadfast commitment to supporting the Black community as one GW.”
At GW, this year’s BHC theme, “The Blackprint: It’s Been Us,” is both a thoughtful exploration of the Black roots of American culture and an opportunity for playful throwbacks. As is traditional, the BHC schedule ranges from in-depth discussions to serious parties, like the off-campus Finale and beloved annual Soul Revue.
“For us, this theme is about getting to show off the legacy that Black people in America have created—tapping into that element of history and also incorporating our future,” said Clarke Gilmore, a senior psychological and brain sciences major in the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences (CCAS) who co-chaired the BHC committee.
Growing up in a predominantly White area of Pennsylvania, Gilmore started her high school’s first social activism and discussion club. “I wanted to have a stronger sense of self and find my Black community in college,” she said. “Knowing where you come from is so important to appreciate what’s happening now, and that's lost if you don't have your history at your fingertips.”
That’s an especially important point for Ryan Titus, Gilmore’s BHC co-chair and a senior in CCAS’ combined B.A./M.A. program in history and museum studies. Growing up, Titus split her time between Long Island and New York City. Her family’s and the city’s narratives were intertwined, with her Queens-native grandmother sharing stories that included participation in the revolutionary Black Panther Party. “I didn’t have a choice about being proud of my heritage and knowing my story,” she said, laughing.
Titus was a freshman at GW when the BSU named its first-ever historian. She held the position her sophomore and junior years, investigating the history of Black students on campus that included the pioneering Leah Brock McCartney, the first Black woman to graduate from GW. She also saw applications and letters of protest from people who never got to be students, having been implicitly or explicitly rejected for their race in the first half of the 20th century.
In light of that history alongside ongoing fights for racial and economic justice, Titus said bringing the GW community together to celebrate Black heritage is “not just important, it’s essential.”
“Black stories are not just moments in the past,” she said. “These are the legacies of resilience, innovation and power that continue to shape our present and future.”
#GWToDo: Celebrating Black History
The calendar is packed. Find a partial selection of BHC events on campus and in the D.C. area below and follow @gwubhc on Instagram for updates and more.
Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. BHC Keynote with Demetrius Harmon
Dorothy Betts Theatre
University Student Center (USC)
800 21st St. NW
Feb. 2 at 2 p.m. “The Green Book: Guide to Freedom” documentary screening
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
901 G St. NW
Feb. 6 at 4 p.m. For the Love of the People: Fred Hampton
MSSC MPR
Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. Bold and Beautiful: After Dark at Anacostia Community Museum
Anacostia Community Museum
1901 Fort Pl. SE
Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. The Blackprint: Stroll Off
Betts Theatre
Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. Soul Revue
Betts Theatre
Feb. 12 at 4:45 p.m. NAACP Founding Day Celebration
MSSC MPR
Feb. 14 at 5 p.m. Kompa Cultural Immersion Dance Class
District House Dance Studio
2121 H St. NW
Feb. 15 at 2 p.m. Fabrication of the Afro-Diaspora
GW Museum and The Textile Museum
701 21st St. NW
Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. Step Afrika! Step Show
From $39
Warner Theatre
513 13th St. NW
Feb. 18 Diversity in Law Panel Discussion
Elliott School of International Affairs, Room 113
1957 E St. NW
Feb. 20 at 6:30 p.m. Insights on Black Professional Development
Jack Morton Auditorium
805 21st St. NW
Feb. 21 at 2 p.m. BHC Service Day
D.C. Central Kitchen
2121 First St. SW
Feb. 22 at 10 a.m. Black Defiance: Black Flea Market
Potomac Square
2020 G St. NW
Feb. 25 at 6 p.m. Engineering a Pathway to Greatness
Lehman Auditorium, Science and Engineering Hall
800 22nd St. NW
Feb. 28 at 10 p.m. BHC Finale
The Gathering Spot
1720 I St. NW
