February 6, 2025

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UNO kicks off Black History Month with West African celebration event – WOWT


OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Tuesday, UNO hosted an event to give students a better understanding of culture in Africa through a celebration with nonprofit Africa Culture Connection. The celebration helped kick off Black History Month.
“Each year we try to elevate it to a different level,” said Taricka Burton, Executive Director of Student leadership, Involvement and Inclusion. “We have had African Culture Connection here a few times before, always high energy so we invite them as much as possible.”
Students of every background experienced a little bit of West African culture through food, music and dancing.
“Even if we are only able to give a snapshot of what it is like to go to Africa and experience these things,” said Sierra Roseby, Associate Director for Student leadership, Involvement, and Inclusion.
“The fact that we are able to bring it onto campus and allow the opportunity for student engagement in a creative way, definitely creates a positive atmosphere.”
The event happens as the Trump administration puts a pause on DEI events, leading to some federal agencies barring Black History Month observances, among others.
Organizers at UNO, though, say they remain committed to hosting positive experiences for students.
“So, when we hear students ask what are we doing for Black History Month, or what is coming up next for you all,” said Roseby.
“The fact the we have things planned, very intentionally planned, for them in a space where they are welcomed in addition to students from all backgrounds here on campus that is what we are committed to.”
For sophomore Aaron Etse, the celebration is a reminder of home. He is a Nebraska native but has a lot of family in Togo, a country in West Africa. “Haven’t been to visit home as much, it reminds me of my family, the drums,” said Etse. “The main drummer, the founder of this company has been raising me since 8th grade so its always nice to see him visit UNO once in a while.
He says Tuesday’s event gives others a better understanding of the people and culture in the continent.
“Most people know about Africa, but they don’t really know about Africa. So, when they get to see firsthand experience about how everything is working, how the networking comes, the family part, because mind you all of us are somewhat related in some type of way,” explained Etse.
“So I think it is important for all of us, students, people in general that want to more about the culture. This is the best way to really know who we are as people and who they are as people.”
Organizers tell First Alert 6 they have more events planned to celebrate Black History Month. They also say it has been great to see more students and community groups get involved each year.

Copyright 2025 WOWT. All rights reserved.

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