On Feb. 27, John Brown University marked a historic moment by hosting its first-ever Celebration of Black History Month. Organized by the Council for International Friendship, the event took place in Simmons Great Hall A and featured a special guest speaker, cultural performances, music, snacks and an opportunity for attendees to share their personal experiences.
The highlight of the evening was the speech given by Ruth Smith, a member of the John Brown University Board of Trustees. She shared her family’s journey of immigrating to the United States, recounting the struggles they faced and how their expectations of treatment evolved over time. While not everyone was welcoming, she acknowledged the support they received from individuals who helped them progress. She also provided guidance to young Black individuals on how to navigate similar challenges.
One of the attendees, Joyce Carmona from Panama, appreciated the platform the event provided for open dialogue.
“What I really liked was that we had a moment to share our experiences and speak from our perspectives,” Carmona said. “Being Black isn’t tied to just one country—there are different kinds of people in this community. For example, I am Latina, and there was someone from Nigeria, and each of us shared our experiences coming to the United States as dark-skinned individuals.”
Carmona emphasized the diversity within the Black community and the importance of recognizing heritage beyond skin color.
“I learned that we all have different stories about discrimination or the way we’ve been treated, and we all have different skin tones but are part of the same community. Being Black isn’t just about skin color; it means having African or Jamaican roots and sharing those traits,” Carmona said.
Jose Conejo, a member of CIF, spoke about the significance of the event for JBU. “This was the first time that Black History Month was celebrated at JBU, and CIF hopes that in the coming years, the event will grow to continue commemorating this important month,” Conejo said.
The event not only honored the history and contributions of Black individuals but also encouraged meaningful discussions about identity, heritage and shared experiences. For JBU, the success of this inaugural celebration paves the way for more recognition and appreciation of Black history in the university community.
Photo courtesy of Jose Conejo