Multiculturalism Across Various Disciplines:
Emphasis on Black History Month Program at
Florida A&M University
Maria Uzo Okeke, Ph.D.
Florida A&M University
Tallahassee, Florida
Sponsored by AAHE Minority Involvement
Committee, April 24, 2013
AAHPERD 2013 National Convention
Charlotte, North Carolina
Black Women Moving Forward in
American History and Culture
Abstract
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Spring semester of 1995 marked the inception
of the Black History Month program coordinated
by the FAMU College of Education Department of
Health and Physical Education. This unique and
intriguing program as of today has turned into an
annual event that is hosted by a syndicate of
dedicated professionals representing various
disciplines at Florida A&M University. The 2012
National Black History Month theme was: Black
Women Moving Forward in American History and
Culture.
The primary purpose of this project was to plan,
implement, and evaluate the black history month
program in a historically black institution of higher
learning.
The secondary purpose was to expose the Health for
Modern Living students to community service
learning experience utilizing Health Education
program planning and implementation model
In addition, this section will further discuss the
multitude of critical roles black women had played
in education, medicine, patented tools,
entertainments, philanthropy, etc.
Introduction
 The National Black History observance is an
annual event held during the month of February.
This remarkable celebration focuses National
attention on the history and culture of African
Americans in the United States.
 From Slavery to the American Revolution to the
present, African American women have played a
myriad of critical roles in the history of this great
nation. Their hard work and leadership,
motherhood and patriotism, and their intellectual
and artistic abilities have all enriched both the
African American community and the nation at
large.
 These women were kidnapped and transported to
the new world (America) against their will. They
were enslaved and deprived of all human dignity.
In slavery and freedom, their struggles have been
at the heart of the universal human experience,
and their triumphs over racism and sexism are
testimonial to our common human spirit. (Okeke,
2012 and Asalh.org, 2012)
Introduction cont’d
 The history of black women in America is an
intriguing long journey.
 Black women are beautiful, strong, intelligent,
wise, yet full of compassion, warmth, and love.
“We need their insights, experiences, and hard –
earned sagacity.”
 By following the blueprints of their ancestors,
African American women of the 18th, 19th and 20th
centuries have consciously defined their mission
as cultivating, growing, and saving the black race.
Even though black women were challenged by
racism and oppression by gender differences in
the society, black women organizations
shouldered the awesome task of uplifting their
race. (Jimara, 2010)
 In today’s history and culture, black women have
evolved from being third class citizens to
becoming lawyers, doctors, congresswomen,
judges, etc… To deprive ourselves of their
experiences is foolish and spiritual self-defeating.
(Smiley, 2006)
Introduction cont’d

Ever since the Civil Rights Acts of 1964, comprehensive U.S. legislation intended
to end discrimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin; it is often
called the most important U.S. law on civil rights since Reconstruction (1865-77).
Because of the Civil Rights Act, that marked a major mile stone for Black people
across America, Black women had a much stronger voice after the Civil Rights
Act was passed. (Civil Rights, 2012)

As we celebrate our black women in the United States, let us remember the
importance of honoring our black women and lifting them up as queens across the
global community. Black women such as:

Queen Philippa of England, the first black Queen and the mother of the Black
Prince of Great Britain.
In 1327, when she was 14, she arrived in England, and at age 15 married King
Edward III. In 1330 they were crowned King and Queen of England when she
was pregnant with her first child. Philippa was a very wise and remarkable
woman. She was well known and loved by the English for her kindness and
restraint. When the King was abroad, she ruled in his absence. Queen’s college in
Oxford University was founded under her guidance.

Queen Charlotte , Black Queen of England , a direct descendant of the African
branch of the Portuguese Royal House , Margarita de Castro y Sousa. This
explains her African-like appearance in her Royal portraits that still exist today.
Sophie Charlotte was married to King George III of England in 1761. The royal
family had 15 children.
“How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!” –
Maya Angelou. (Great Quotes, 2011)

In partial fulfillment of the HSC 1100, students were required to complete ten
hours of community service learning experience they have planned, implemented,
and evaluated the black history program at Florida A&M University a (HBCU).
Objectives

To review historical and current literature in order to draft
the introduction, need assessment, develop the skits and
construct the poster boards based on the theme of the
program.

To collaborate with various disciplines on campus (i.e.,
Dept of History, Sociology, Psychology, College of
Pharmacy, CEASTA, office of International Education
and the greater Tallahassee Community)

To create and present skits that revolved around the roles
of great Black Women in American History and Culture.

Create and present skits to increase awareness of the
roles of the great black women in shaping the American
History and Culture

To develop and disseminate program flyers in order to
publicized the program and attract greater participation.

To arrange and decorate the venue using the colors of the
Pan-African flag

To coordinate a menu that reflects and portrays
multicultural cuisines

To implement and evaluate the black history month
program in a Historical Black Institution of Higher
learning.
Participants Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this presentation, participants will be able to:

Discuss the concepts of Black History Program implemented at Florida A&M
University utilizing the health education program planning and implementation
model.

Discuss the factors that propelled the establishment of slavery in the United
States.

Discuss the health implications of slavery among African American women.

Identify various important professional women that played numerous roles in the
history of the United States.

Describe the role of health education in addressing the impact of slavery on
health disparities among the minority population in the United States.