The N word, explored at CSUMB

In celebration of Black History Month, the CSUMB chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Black Students United and other organizations have kept really busy.

On Wednesday, the group held a workshop about the "N-Word", to examine whether it's OK to use it or not. About 50 people attended, NAACP President Shiyla Goodie said.

"We had an open discussion where we talked about the history of the word, how it’s used today," she said.

There's a lot more to come. Award-winning author, Keenan Norris is coming to campus on Feb. 19.

Norris "gives perspective on what’s like to be African American in a white institution," Goodie said. "We’re really excited for him to come."

On Feb. 26, the students will honor Trayvon Martin, the Florida teenager who got killed returning home from the store and galvanized the community after Florida authorities refused to prosecute his killer. Goodie said the event also aims to remember other victims of racial profiling around the US, come march with the NAACP in solidarity for justice.

There will also be events organized by the administration. Most notably, CSUMB President Eduardo Ochoa will address the congregation at the Seaside Community Seventh-Day Adventist church at 10:50 a.m. on Saturday.

On Sunday, Ochoa will visit Greater Victory Temple at 11 a.m.; Ronnie Higgs, CSUMB’s vice president of student affairs and enrollment services, will address the congregation at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church at 12:30 p.m.; and Julio Blanco, provost and VP for academic affairs, will visit New Hope Baptist Church at 10:45 a.m. All four churches are located in Seaside.

They will discuss the importance of getting a college degree for today’s competitive job market, when to start planning for college, programs offered at CSUMB, financial aid and parent involvement.

Following the services, staff members from CSUMB and church education advisers will provide information on the application and admission process, including virtual tours through CSUmentor, the website that helps students apply for college.

Although I believe African Americans deserve more than a month to celebrate their history, I'm glad there's these many events to highlight their contributions to our country.  Take advantage of the celebrations and participate.

To see more events for Black History Month, click here.