In 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson started, Black History Month (then called “Negro History Week”) in the United States. Since then the black community’s reflection on the struggle has blossomed throughout North America.

The Canadian Negro Women’s Association brought the weeklong celebration across the border into Toronto 24 years ago and by 1979, the city of Toronto officially proclaimed February as Black History Month. February is society’s chance to celebrate and applaud the contributions black figures have made and are making to this country, but after walking around Humber this week nobody would know it.

HSF programming director Aaron Miller faced a dilemma this year, getting in touch with the Caribbean Culture Society to organize a student symposium or gala on what it’s like to grow up as a black youth. He was hoping the Caribbean Culture Society would spearhead the plan, but sadly it couldn’t be reached. Fortunately for Miller and HSF, a Humber student has stepped up. In the next few days, Miller and his student volunteer will plan the gala together. HSF already has some cultural events scheduled to take place later this month, but Miller is still disappointed with the campus club’s lack of involvement. But there is still time for them to get involved, Miller said.

Black History Month should not be forgotten here at Humber and the onus is on student clubs, not just HSF, to raise awareness. This is a call to the school’s ethnically diverse student population, especially the Caribbean Culture Society, to unveil its cultural struggle to students on campus before Black History month passes by.

Communities and families in areas such as Rexdale and Jamestown are desperately in need of helping hands. A club-run trip to a youth recreation centre in Jamestown, to spend time and/or donate clothes, food or toys to the families evicted Jan. 24 by the Toronto Housing Corporation may be one suggestion.

According to the 2001 Statistics Canada Census, almost half of Canada’s black youth are raised by single parents. Again, campus clubs could run a toy, food or money drive to help these single parents who struggle every day to put food on the table.

Both HSF and Humber run programs, which aim to reach out to the college’s surrounding black youth year-round, but student groups like the Caribbean Culture Society need to step up at pivotal times. Now would be the time.

Clubs should educate students around Humber in ways that focus energy and attention on what Black History Month is truly about, “the struggle.” It is not too late to make up for lost time; the month has just begun and Humber’s black student community deserves more.