Black History Month gallery invites campus to reflect on legacy and belonging

The Office of Belonging opened its Black History Month gallery on Feb. 2, inviting students and faculty to engage with visual stories honoring Black history, faith and community contributions.

The gallery, part of the universitys month-long Black History Month programming, features display panels highlighting the lives and legacies of Black individuals whose influence spans generations. Through photographs, biographical summaries and reflective prompts, the exhibit encourages visitors to consider the resilience, courage and faith of those featured.

In an Instagram post announcing the months celebration, the Office of Belonging wrote that the campus community would honor 28 Black individuals whose faith and courage carried light forward, encouraging students to visit the gallery throughout the month of February.

Organizers said the exhibit was designed to foster learning in an accessible and reflective way.

We wanted students to encounter stories in a space that feels personal, Kassie Sanders, a former employee for the Office of Belonging, said. When you pause to read someones history and experiences, it becomes more than information it becomes connection.

Another student emphasized the importance of representation on campus.

Black History Month is about recognizing contributions that have sometimes been overlooked, Lily Putnam, a student visiting the gallery, said. By highlighting these lives, were reminding our community that these stories are part of our shared history.

Students who attended the gallery said the visual format made the experience impactful.

Its different from reading about history in a textbook, Monica Arias, an information systems student, said. Seeing faces and personal details makes it feel real and immediate.

Putnam said the exhibit created space for reflection.

I appreciated that it wasnt rushed, Putnam said. You can take your time, think about what youre reading and consider how it applies to your own life.

The gallery continues a tradition of storytelling-centered events at BYU.

Stories of life, stories of faith are what were all here to talk about this is how God has led us here, and we can celebrate it together, Arias said.

University leaders have also spoken about the spiritual significance of highlighting Black history.

Sharing the stories about Black Latter-day Saints who gathered, who served and sacrificed inspires our students and helps to increase their faith in Jesus Christ, Sanders said.

Black History Month traces its roots to 1915. Carter G. Woodson, a historian and author, founded Negro History Week in 1926, which later expanded into a nationwide month-long observance each February.

The Black History Month gallery will remain available to students throughout the month of February. Organizers said they hope it serves as both an educational resource and an invitation to strengthen understanding across campus.

Our hope, Sanders said, is that every student who walks through leaves with a deeper appreciation for the people who came before them and a greater commitment to building belonging now.