Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023
LISTENUPOKC
Pg. 4 Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022
Volume 120, Issue 14
VISTA The
“OUR WORDS, YOUR VOICE.”
Student club highlights ‘Black love’ and self care Chandler Coleman Contributing Writer
Students of the UCO African Student Association won an award at the Edmond International Festival 2021. (Provided/ uco international student council)
UCO celebrates Black History Month
Sam Kozlowski Contributing Writer
Black History Month is a time to highlight prominent African American history and people in the United States. However, students at the University of Central Oklahoma believe that black history is more than just one month and should be recognized perpetually through the year. “If people are uneducated about our history, the generations after us are doomed. We can grow by having these uncomfortable conversations. Spreading accurate information in the educational curriculum will open the eyes of our youth and elders,” said Jaya Barnes, officer of the Black Student Association at UCO. The Black Student Association (BSA) at UCO serves as a voice and a safe space for the Black community and minorities in Edmond. It hosts events throughout the year for students of African descent and
people interested in helping strengthen cultural bonds. “Despite facing racism and present-day oppression, we are not our history. We are leaders, educators, activists, and so much more,” said Barnes. “We tend to shove black history in one month when black history is 365 days a year.” Students this year can partake in Black History Month by educating each other and going to events on campus this month. Events during Black History Month include NAACP Founders Events through Valentine’s week, Feb. 14-17. On Feb. 15, UCO hosts the Enterprise MLK Oratory Finals, a speech competition in which students base a speech on a chosen Martin Luther King Jr. quote. From 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 22, Nigh University Center Ballrooms will host Black Girl Magic, a celebration empowering Black women featuring discussions and workshops. And from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 28, UCO and the Black Student
Association are hosting the closing event of the month, Lift Every Voice, featuring musical performances by the African-American community and speaker Dr. Fred Hammond. UCO prides itself in diversity and the Office of Inclusive Community provides equity resources for students of all races, ethnicities and religions. African-American history can be learned throughout the year at UCO. Here are some classes in the Department of History and Geography at UCO, such as: HIST 1333 Africa Americas HIST 2000 Civil Rights Movement HIST 4253/5253 Black Power HIST 4853 African American Experience HIST 4763 Black Intellectual History These classes and others present African American history on a variety of topics. For more information on BSA at UCO, visit ucore.uco.edu/ucobsa/ home.
The University of Central Oklahoma’s Black Student Association kickstarted the celebration of Black History Month with a “Self Love Seminar” aimed at promoting a better understanding of black love in the community. This is just one of the many events UCO is hosting to commemorate African American history and culture. The theme of this year’s Black History Month is “Black Resistance.” The message of this year emphasizes the awareness and resistance that is taking place in America. According to African American Life and History (ASALH), Black Resistance can take many forms, including “partaking in the arts, driving political action, challenging racist medical practices” and more. The theme at UCO is “Lift Every Voice,” with events such as NAACP Founders week and the Enterprise MLK Oratory Finals, in which students deliver speeches about the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King. On Feb. 19, the Black Student Association will host an event named “Harlem Renaissance,” paying homage to those who came before them. Black History Month, an
annual celebration in February, celebrates African American achievements, contributions, and impact on the history and culture of the United States as a result of their contributions and accomplishments throughout history. Dr. Carter G. Woodson, one of the most respected Black scholars and historians, came up with the idea for Black History Week, which turned into Black History Month. The decision to turn just an everyday month into a celebration was behind the birthdays of two figures that are important in African American history: W.E.B. Dubois and Frederick Douglass. BSA organizes events that leave a lasting impact on the Edmond community, from “Harlem Renaissance” to hosting prominent Black figures to speak to the Black Student Association. The establishment of Black History Month offers people from various backgrounds the chance to comprehend the lengthy and varied history of African Americans. This month is an opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of a group that has greatly influenced American history and culture through events, exhibits, and educational initiatives.
UCO Office of Diversity and Inclusion hosts the Black Male Summit annually. (PROVIDED)
Study shows economic boost if recreational marijuana bill passes
(Provided/ Whitney Bryen / Oklahoma Watch)
Jocelyn Schifferdecker Contributing Writer
From the gas station to the grocery store, Oklahomans struggle with increased prices across the state. However, a new study shows that if State Question 820 passes, they may be getting a break. “We are talking about $821 million to the state of Oklahoma over the next five years,” said SQ 820 campaign director Michelle Tilley. Tilley said the campaign had the study done because they saw the benefits other states with legalized recreational marijuana had and they wanted concrete evidence to show their findings. The research was done
by leading cannabis and corporate law firm Vicente Sederberg LLP. “Over the first five years of operations from 2024 to 2028, the model projects that Oklahoma will raise more than $434.6 million in new revenue from the 15% excise tax from State Question 820,” said Vicente Sederberg’s director of economics and research, Andrew Livingston. In addition to the boost in Oklahoma’s revenue, Vicente Sederberg predicts thousands of jobs will be created from sales, packaging, shipping, and more. “We hear reports from people all the time in the industry. These are good jobs. They are paid high wages, some of them even offer full benefits and retirement plans,” said Tilley.
The money will go directly to the state but it will still help communities across the state per the allocations in the report. The full breakdown of this can be found on page 13. According to the report, 30% will go toward grants to support public schools and develop programs to support students. “The most important things and priorities that we all see in Oklahoma that need more funding are schools, our education system, healthcare,” said Tilley. In opposition to this campaign is Protect our Kids: No SQ 820. In response to this study the group said they don’t think you can put a price on the health of Oklahomans and our children. SQ 820 will be voted on March 7, 2023.