“If I could give any advice to prospective Black students who are beginning their college search, no matter where they go, I want them to remember these three things: never stop being your authentic self and remember you belong in these spaces; community is everything — find it and embrace it; and never hesitate to ask for help.”

On February 1, OU hosted the 2022 Black History Month (BHM) Kickoff in the Henderson-Tolson Cultural Center to show the investment the University has in celebrating and valuing the cultural identities of OU students.

Angelique Price, who serves OU as the African American Programs and Services Coordinator and the advisor to the Black Student Association (BSA) and Freshmen Action Team, has spent the last several months planning the in-person event. Since her OU journey began in April 2021, she has also coordinated programs such as the Black Student Welcome and the Kente Cloth Graduation Ceremony.

“The BHM Kickoff event had so much in store for students, such as a resource fair, giveaways, soul food from a local Black Owned Business, Mama E’s, and sounds by OU alum and Fire In Little Africa’s executive director, Stevie Johnson, Ph.D.,” Price said.  “What made this year so special is that it is the first time in a long time we have had a university-wide calendar highlighting so many departments and organizations.”

The BHM Kickoff event, which was open to all OU community members, precedes a full calendar of events such as Valentine’s Day Brunch hosted by the OU Black Graduate Student Association and the Black OU Royalty Pageant, which will take place in the Meacham Auditorium on February 26 at 7 p.m.

For more program information about this February’s events, visit our website.

Price wants Black students at OU to take full advantage of every opportunity set before them and to remember to celebrate their identity outside of Black History Month.

“Do not limit yourself,” Price said. “I want to see Black students studying abroad, majoring in STEM and linguistics, and so much more! There are so many opportunities outside of Black History Month that are designed to celebrate you.”

Price encourages Black students to join organizations like the BSA, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, and OU's NAACP Collegiate Chapter, and to apply for leadership conferences through BSA and African American Programs and Services.

“In the coming years, I hope to make the BHM Kickoff a city-wide event for Norman with even more organizations and more exposure to resources for and by the Black community,” Price said.

Interested in OU’s Multicultural Programs and Service Team?

Click here to learn more!