TSU Black History Convocation Celebrates Legacy and Progress
Written by admin on February 12, 2025
By: Imari Holmes
On Thursday, February 12th, Texas Southern University (TSU) hosted its 2025 Black History Convocation, reminding attendees of the significant labor of African Americans and their lasting impact on society.
The event began at approximately 12:10 p.m., with over 100 students, faculty, and alumni eager to learn and celebrate all aspects of Black history.
“I feel like the convocation is needed. We have two convocations a year, Founders Day and Black History Month. I feel like Black History Month should be celebrated every day, which President Crawford has mentioned,” TSU student Othieno Lucus said.
TSU student Othieno Lucas
The convocation consisted of a theater arts performance and two oratorical performances, one led by TSU’s 77th Miss TSU, who reminded the audience about strength, touching on the resilience and unbreakable spirit of a Black woman.
The university choir also performed several musical selections, including the Negro National Anthem and TSU’s Alma Mater.
These performances set the stage for the convocation address by Michael R. Williams, Senior Executive in Commercial Lending, who educated the audience on the evolution of African Americans—from working on land for free to owning their property.
Williams reminded the audience that African Americans are America’s blueprint because of the 2.6 million unpaid hours of labor that built this country.
He left the audience with a question, quoting one of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s empowering speeches: “What is your life blueprint, and how will you strive to get there?”
“He reminded us, though I never need reminding, that our ancestors essentially built America on their backs. They didn’t have a choice, but African Americans have always made the best of what was given to them,” said TSU student Erin Slaughter.
TSU student Erin Slaughter
The convocation, which lasted two hours, received numerous standing ovations from the audience, and thunderous applause, leaving students feeling empowered and inspired.
“This was a great investment of my time; I learned something, gathered information, and I liked the speeches that were given; they were very motivational, and the guest speaker, Mr. Michael Williams, I enjoyed his speech; I feel like it kept us captivated and moving,” TSU student Kennedy said.
Another TSU student, Saniah, said she felt the same as Kennedy and was inspired by the convocation. She said she now has a different insight into what Black History is and what it should mean to TSU students.
“Black History Month means a celebration of our history and culture as a whole, as well as our Black excellence, showing us where we came from to where we are now,” Saniah said.
TSU Student Saniah
The 2025 Black History Convocation was a successful event that inspired and educated attendees about the labor and sacrifices African Americans made to shape America. The program highlighted their journey from hardship to resilience.
African Americans have been key to creating progress, and their contributions continue to inspire and drive change for the future.
The Black History Convocation in Sawyer Auditorium reminded us to always remember what we have achieved.
