Student Government Association Blog

Your Student Body. Your Student Voice. SGA.

Black History Month: A Legacy of Strength, A Future of Possibilities

by

February is more than just another month, it’s a time of reflection, recognition, and celebration. Black History Month honors the resilience, brilliance, and impact of Black individuals throughout history. This month is an important reminder of how far we’ve come, how much we’ve overcome, and how much work still lies ahead. 

At Missouri State University, diversity is not just a word, it’s a commitment. This month gives us a chance to not only acknowledge Black history but to actively engage with it, learn from it, and carry its lessons forward. 

More Than a Month, More Than a Moment 

Black history is often reduced to a handful of names and events, but its influence runs far deeper. That influence is found in the creativity of artists, innovation of scientists, the leadership of activists, and everyday excellence of Black individuals pushing boundaries in every field. 

From the civil rights movement to present-day advocacy, Black change-makers have continuously shaped history. And that history is not just something to study, it’s something to live. Right here at MSU, Black students, faculty, and staff are making history in real-time, breaking barriers, leading organizations, and driving change on campus and beyond. 

The Power of Acknowledgment and Action 

Representation matters, but representation alone isn’t enough. True progress happens when we move beyond acknowledgment and take real action. That means creating spaces where Black voices are heard, where Black achievements are celebrated, and where systemic barriers are actively dismantled. 

This month, challenge yourself to do more than just observe. Engage. Educate yourself. Support Black businesses. Attend campus events. Have real conversations about race, equity, and inclusion. Most importantly, carry that energy beyond February because Black history is being made every single day. 

Ways to Get Involved This Month (and Beyond) 

Show Up & Learn – Attend events that highlight Black culture, history, and contributions. Listen to speakers, join discussions, and engage with new perspectives. 

Support Black Creators & Businesses – Whether it’s a local Black-owned business, an independent artist, or a content creator, your support makes a difference. 

Educate Yourself – Read books by Black authors, watch documentaries, and explore history that often is not taught in textbooks. Knowledge is power. 

Speak Up – Advocate for inclusivity, challenge bias, and amplify Black voices in your everyday conversations and spaces. 

A Collective Responsibility 

Black History Month is not just about looking back—it’s about moving forward. It’s about recognizing the contributions of the past while actively shaping a future where equity, representation, and opportunity exist for everyone. 

At MSU, we have the power to foster an environment where diversity is celebrated not just in February but every single day. Let’s make that commitment together! 

– Christabel Ghansah, Director of Diversity and Inclusion, SGA 

SGA Moves to Support Global Living Learning Community

by

Missouri State University’s Student Government Association voted on February 28, 2012 to support the creation of a Global Living Learning Community (LLC) in the university’s residence halls.

The community, geared towards international students, language students, global studies students, or students that either have or are interested in studying away would join the ranks of other interest-specific LLCs already in existence at Missouri State.

The creation of a Global Living Learning Community, spearheaded by Kristina Moller, would not only support the cultural competence pillar of Missouri State’s public affairs mission, but would also allow Missouri State to join the 7 benchmark institutions that currently have Global Living Learning Communities in place.

For more information, please contact Paige Oxendine, Chief Communications Officer, at Oxendine100@live.missouristate.edu.

Student Government Association Commends Dr. A. Leslie Anderson

by

Missouri State University’s Student Government Association recently moved to unanimously approve a resolution commending the work of Dr. A. Leslie Anderson, Associate Professor and former Interim Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion.

Aside from working as an Associate Professor in the Department of Counseling, Leadership, and Special Education, Dr. Anderson has also served on the President’s Commission for Diversity since 2005. Dr. Anderson co-chaired the Commission from 2007 to 2008 and served as chair of the Commission from 2008 to 2010.

In 2010 Missouri State University’s Board of Governors identified the goal of “promoting diversity through ‘Inclusive Excellence’ across the institution.” The Board then created the chief diversity officer position and appointed Dr. Anderson as Interim Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion.

The Student Government Association would like to commend Dr. Anderson’s work as Interim Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion, including her efforts to promote inclusive excellence while serving on the Long-Range Strategic Planning Committee.

Dr. Anderson relinquished her duties as Interim Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion on October 3, 2011 to Dr. Kenneth Coopwood, and will return as a full time faculty member on January 1, 2012

For more information, please contact Paige Oxendine, Chief Communications Officer, at Oxendine100@live.missouristate.edu.

Unity Council recap 2

by

On December 07, 2009. Unity Council held another great meeting. At this meeting we discussed steryotyping and how we can make the campus more unified. Of particular importance was Greeks and Non-Greeks supporting eachother. By the end of the meeting, students were discussing creating a kind of “street team” that would work soley to help student organizations publicize their events to a larger range of people outside of a particular organization’s reach. If you have any questions or are intrested in this “street team” please feel free to contact me via e-mail.

Unity Council Meeting Recap

by

Unity Council had their first meeting Monday November 02, 2009. We discussed discrimination in Missouri, Springfield, MO, and Missouri State University. We had snacks played an activity and had open and honest discussion. The response we received from the council is that they do not believe discrimination is a problem on campus. But, they do believe that there is room for improvement in Springfield. So, they proposed an idea for a “Unity Rally.” This rally would serve the purpose to expose Springfield to different cultures by MSU students standing together to say, “We are a diverse community and we like it that way. We embrace different people and cultures.” This event would have music, games, food and much more. What do you all think?

On another note, I feel that most cultures were under represented. I cannot express to you how important it is for you to come to these meetings. Unity Council is about change for the better. But, we cannot make the correct change without knowing what students want. Our next meeting will be held on Dec. 6, 2009. Check back for more information soon.