COOKEVILLE, Tenn — Tennessee Tech University, which is located in Cookeville, is hosting several Black History Month events. They aim to promote conversations about diversity and celebrate the contributions of African Americans.
"I think we've kind of grown and expanded the opportunities that we have for Black history, but also other cultural heritage months," said Charria Campbell, the director of intercultural affairs.
Events range from celebrations at basketball games, a spoken word event and a gospel extravaganza. Campbell said the university wants to start conversations and to tear down barriers between people.
"When we coexist in this space called Tennessee Tech's campus, in these communities. Sometimes people will just see it and not talk to that person beside them that maybe even looks like them, or they think like them. It just helps us to recognize again, that, you know, we're all human, we're all people, we all have something to give and we have great gifts and talents," said Campbell.
She said she hopes people get an understanding of others through the events.
"Sometimes it's just having those conversations, which is why we do the campus conversations, because it's a safe space for people to share the experiences and sometimes, they're the positive but sometimes there may be those not so positive experiences. But people learn how to take that and walk away from it, and how do we move forward and not continue to do those things," said Campbell.
Campbell said many of the events are open to the public and the ones that are just for students say that on the flyer.
"It's just recognizing who we have here at Tennessee Tech, and making sure that everybody knows that they have a place here that they are welcomed, valued," said Campbell. "That thoughts and ideas and opinions can be recognized, and that we can have conversations and interactions in so many different ways, without you know, fear of judgment and discrimination. And when somebody feels that way, we're able to figure out how to navigate those things, and hopefully do it in the right way. And if not, let's go back to the table and figure out how to do it."