Throughout the month of February, Andrews University students, faculty and staff came together to celebrate Black History Month through worship services, educational programming and heritage events designed to promote cultural awareness and foster meaningful conversations about faith, identity and leadership.
Highlights included undergraduate Chapel services featuring David R. Williams and Michaela Lawrence Jeffery, as well as a graduate chapel presentation by Carlton Byrd. New Life Fellowship also hosted several worship services celebrating African American, Caribbean, Afro-Latino and African cultures. Speakers included Williams, John and April Nixon, Jonathan Aguiñaga and Dennis Akawobsa, each bringing unique perspectives and messages of faith to the campus community.
The Black Student Christian Forum (BSCF) played a central role throughout the month by organizing cultural programming that encouraged student engagement and learning. Activities included African American, Caribbean and Afro-Latino cocurricular programs, residence hall events and Impact Vespers services. Students also participated in Spirit Week, which featured themed activities such as Decades Day, Twin Day and Culture Day.
In addition to worship and cultural events, the University encouraged reflection on Black Adventist history. Esther Knott, interim assistant to the president for Mission & Culture and diversity officer, highlighted the contributions of influential Black Seventh-day Adventist leaders through a campus-wide historical quiz inspired by Calvin B. Rock’s book, “Protest and Progress: Black Seventh-day Adventist Leadership and the Push for Parity.”
The month-long celebration reflected Andrews University’s commitment to creating opportunities for cultural learning and engagement. Through worship, education and social events, Black History Month provided meaningful opportunities to honor the past, celebrate diversity and strengthen connections across the campus community.
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