2 minute read
Spring 2024 - The Talon
AASU Hosts Events for Black History Month
by Emily Kesel
Black History Month at Central Methodist University was celebrated with some big events in 2024, including the “Appreciating Black Minds” series which brought St. Louis Cardinals legend Ozzie Smith to campus.
The African American Student Union (AASU) hosted the Hall of Fame shortstop on February 5 to speak about his experiences in Major League Baseball. The event was open to the public, drawing a large crowd of students, staff, and community members to the Inman Student and Community Center. After Smith’s address, a raffle of several signed items was held, with proceeds going directly to AASU.
Lockridge-Lane spoke on the topic of “Let’s Talk Faith” in front of a crowd at Assembly Hall on February 12, less than a month after being named the Lea Tindall Memorial Award winner. An ordained minister and member of Second Baptist Church, she remains active in the Fayette community following her retirement, serving as an election supervisor and a board member for Fayette Together, the Howard County Historical Museum, Fayette Juneteenth Committee, the Howard County Health and Wellness Council, and the Central Missouri Clergy Coalition, among others.
The final lecture in the series was on February 19, with Jackman speaking on “Let’s Talk Business.” A member of the CMU board of trustees and previous winner of the Tindall Award, Jackman is the president and CEO of Previsor Insurance Company. He is an active member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, serving in various capacities, including formerly as the administrative council chair.
In addition to the “Appreciating Black Minds” series, Central and AASU held several other events throughout the month, including an artist talk by Vydella Chapman, whose quilt work was on display at the Ashby-Hodge Gallery of American Art.
Other programming included guest speakers at Tuesday morning Chapel – Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Cleaver III, Rev. Charity Goodwin, Lyna Williams-Whitehead, and trustee Ivan James III – as well as a movie night, Black history Kahoot night, and a book signing by Quincy Moore.
AASU and the Office of Student Development hope to add even more entertaining and informative programming next year.
