Dr. Roslyn Artis, President of Benedict College, discussed the value of Black History Month in our current society, and explored the value and diversity of ideas and opinions insights during her presentation, “Why Does Black History Month Matter?” on February 28.
Black History Month was designed to recognize the history, experiences, and accomplishments of black people. In schools across the US, students learn about figures such as Martin Luther King Jr, Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, and many others.
Artis said the celebration, while a “whopping 28 days,” is necessary as an effort to move to complete equality. She also cited other historical, lesser-known figures who also should be studied by Americans.
Carter G. Woodson was the creator of “Negro History Week” in 1926 set for the second week in February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. “It was a careful, deliberate design to eradicate systemic racism,” Artis said.
Artis has earned for the second time in history, the distinct honor of serving as the first female President of a collegiate institution in the United States. In 2017, she was unanimously appointed by the Board of Trustees as the 14th President of Benedict College. She is the first female President in the 148-year history of the college which was founded by a woman, Mrs. Bathsheba Benedict in 1870.
Benedict College is a four-year historically black, liberal arts college located in Columbia, South Carolina. HBCU Digest selected Artis as the 2018 Female President of the Year and the Columbia Regional Business Report recognized her as one of the 2018 Women of Influence.
Artis is a graduate of Vanderbilt University, where she earned a Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership and Policy. She also holds a Juris Doctorate from West Virginia University College of Law, and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from sister HBCU, West Virginia State University.
