Celebrating Black History Month

Dear Aggies:

We are pleased to join people around the nation in observing and celebrating Black History Month.

The origin of this important month can be traced to 1915 when Carter G. Woodson, the namesake of our MSC Carter G. Woodson Black Awareness Committee (WBAC), viewed a series of exhibits that highlighted the history and contributions of African Americans. Inspired by the powerful displays, he vowed to establish an organization devoted to promoting the study and history of Black life.

Our national commemoration of Black history began with a week in 1926 and was expanded to a month in 1976. I attended graduate school during the turbulent times of the 1960s and witnessed, firsthand, how our country evolved in recognizing all its citizens and their contributions to our great nation. Over the decades, I have observed that challenging periods can be transformed into brighter days when we listen to each other, learn from one another, and find common ground in our shared humanity.

I encourage you to be part of that ongoing conversation by participating in the many Black History Month events, which are being sponsored by the Black Student Alliance Council (BSAC), the MSC Carter G. Woodson Black Awareness Committee (WBAC) and The Association of Former Students.

I also want to remind you that last week The Texas A&M University System and The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents announced a series of strategic initiatives that will help us better fulfill our mission regarding diversity, equity and inclusion. With these initiatives, I sincerely believe we are at an important inflection point in the history of Texas A&M.

As interim president, I will continue to work collaboratively to help us advance these and other initiatives. It is my great hope that you will join me in celebrating Black History Month and helping us create a welcoming environment for everyone throughout the year.

Gig ’em,

John L. Junkins
Interim President