Nyumburu Cultural Center continues Black History Month Kick-Off

The Nyumburu Cultural Center continues its annual tradition of throwing the Black History Month Kick-Off on Monday, February 3, 2020. With the national theme for the month being “African Americans and The Vote”, this year’s celebration featured several performances and presenters who highlighted Black history and the importance of voting. (Jaime Williams/The Black Explosion)

The Nyumburu Cultural Center has been hosting the Black History Month Kick-Off since 1971 on the University of Maryland’s Campus. This year, the national theme is “African Americans and The Vote.”

There were several student-led entertainment acts that kept the spirits and energy of the attendees in the room high. The event featured students who performed songs, poetry, dances, and a musical selection. All of which were all met by loud cheers and even standing ovations. 

The invited acts were performed by, Tiffany Blossom, Kofi Ansah-Brew, Afrochique, Tomi Ajiboye and Taylor Sullivan. 

Even though there were many performances, the event was balanced out by several presenters that spoke on the importance of knowing your history as an African American and why the African American vote matters and shouldn’t be taken for granted. 

The featured presenters were Dr. Ronald Zeigler, Dr. Wallace Loh, Nacie Grigsby, Dr. Mia Smith-Bynum and Anne Reese Carswell. 

Dr. Ronald Zeigler, director of the Nyumburu Cultural Center, said that they keep the event going because “it’s tradition, it’s like heresy not to have it. In commemoration of Black History Month [we have to] honor Dr. Carter G. Woodson and honor the whole tradition of Black history and the Black diaspora." 

Dr. Mia Smith-Bynum, keynote speaker and associate professor of family science in the School of Public Health, said that for African American students, “Nyumburu is part of the glue that helps to facilitate [the best years of one’s life] at Maryland.” This could be seen in events such as the Black History Month Kick-Off.

Smith-Bynum also stated that, “your identity formation is coming to an end as you wrap up your college years and move into young adulthood in your twenties and these spaces, they’re the crucible, that’s where the [formation is] happening.”

Joshua Adjei, sophomore information science major said that, “Today’s event was wonderful. It really goes to show how talented and how deep in art and culture Black people really are and then on top of that, the words given by Dr. Mia really spoke to the room. Especially with the theme of the night being going out to vote and exercising the right that our ancestors fought so hard for.”

Adjei also stated that having a place like Nyumburu is crucial because, “they stress the importance of culture. They stress the importance of knowing your history and acknowledging and celebrating the roots that people came from.” 

“It’s a cultural hub and a place where people can come and feel safe where there is no form of judgement,” Adjei said. 

Cydnee Jordan, senior public policy major said that,“Nyumburu really represents one of the first places where I felt seen on campus.” She appreciates and supports the events and spaces that are created in the cultural center.

Adjei said that even though there are many resources and events at UMD for African American students, you can tell that you are a Black student on campus. He stated that sometimes you really don’t realize how outnumbered you are. 

Jordan stated that even though there are all different races from all different places and age groups on campus, there still is an awareness and smallness that you are Black at the University of Maryland. 

Jordan noted that no matter what, the Black students on campus will always show up and make noise whenever needed.