The Department of Africana Studies continued its Black History Month programming with a campus event earlier this month that brought together students, faculty, local high school students and community partners.

The Dr. Carter G. Woodson and Madam C.J. Walker Extravaganza blended music, reflection and cultural expression in a celebration of two towering figures in Black history. The ceremony honored Madam C.J. Walker, the first Black woman millionaire who built a groundbreaking hair care and cosmetics empire, and Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the historian and author known as the “Father of Black History,” whose scholarship laid the foundation for Black History Month.

The celebration opened with a rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” performed by CSU student, U.S. Air Force veteran and saxophonist Cedric Tyus, who welcomed attendees with a musical introduction that set the tone for the program.

Students from Shaker Heights High School’s Sankofa Performance Troupe presented musical and spoken-word performances, while students from Shaw High School’s cosmetology department offered complimentary hand massages throughout the event.

Their participation underscored CSU’s commitment to youth engagement and community partnerships while giving the students an opportunity to experience campus life and envision themselves as future Vikings. 

The event, presented in partnership with CSU Admissions and the Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center, demonstrated how campus collaboration strengthens student engagement and recruitment efforts.

“We are recruiting students to Cleveland State University by giving them a platform,” said HAMAACC Coordinator Prester Pickett. “Shaker Heights High School and Shaw High School have students with great talents who are ready to advance their careers as college students here at Cleveland State University, if that’s their choice.”

Visiting high school students participated in campus tours, deepening their familiarity with CSU, and were invited to return for future visits. Pickett emphasized that events like this are essential in helping students understand how Africana Studies connects to disciplines such as business, science, medicine and the arts. 

“The intersection is there when you talk about stimulating the economy with the various businesses,” said Pickett. “Even today, as we celebrate Madam C.J. Walker, we’re talking about a Black woman who developed a number of services and products that could advance the economy, where she became the first Black woman millionaire.”

He also noted that the Department of Africana Studies continues to collaborate with other departments across campus to support and strengthen shared initiatives. “

“It's important for people to see that we are an academic unit that reaches out to other units and other disciplines to make the work that we do substantial for all of our students,” said Pickett.

THE STUDENT VOICE

CSU student voices highlighted the impact of the Dr. Carter G. Woodson and Madam C.J. Walker Extravaganza. Raven Faust, a doctoral student in biomedical engineering, said she enjoyed seeing her community come together and appreciated the participation of the high school students. 

“[One of the students present] was my masseuse,” said Faust. “She was really sweet and personable, and hearing her story and the opportunities that Shaw High School has for the students was great.”

Daylun Armstrong, a CSU student double-majoring in women and gender studies and Africana studies with minors in the sociology of health and healthcare and history, reflected on the importance of openly expressing culture.

“Black history and Black culture should be celebrated year-round, and with events like this, especially with the youth from Shaw High School and Shaker Heights High School,” said Armstrong. “It was beautiful to be in a space that centered Black voices, creativity, culture and community.”

Through music, performance, wellness conversations and intergenerational connections, the Department of Africana Studies’ Black History Month celebration reaffirmed its commitment to honoring Black history, uplifting student voices and strengthening community partnerships on campus and beyond. 

“From engaging with high school students to the poetry, dance and spoken word, it was just beautiful,” said Armstrong. “I almost felt like a proud parent.”