Sharing stories that unify

Charleston Southern University strives to educate students on the importance of unity by emphasizing African American and Black history during February.

Justin Brown, associate vice president of student life, oversees all diversity initiatives. He shared his thoughts about the power of sharing stories and the importance of Black History Month.  

Brown believes that stories unify people. He said that stories of forgiveness are powerful and something students can resonate with.

He went on to say that “learning about Black history and the contribution of African Americans is important because sometimes the story gets told in a way that is not favorable to Black history or to the past of African Americans.”

Brown believes it is important for students to know about more than just our local community.

“We have to be exposed to different cultures and experiences because it helps us see the world in a different way, which leads us to be in a better place as a people,” he said. 

“I want to bring us together. I want to share the story, not as an instrument of division, but as an instrument of unification,” he added. 

Brown also shared ways for students to educate themselves further on Black history. “Immerse yourself in the resources around you and read what people are writing,” he said.  

CSU students have access to the Rivers Library on campus, where there are free journals, articles, books and other resources that students can use if they want to learn more about African American and Black history.

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