By Joshua Ford and Bob Holmes

Columbia International University sophomore Tavarres Berrian says CIU’s commemoration of Black History Month means to him a celebration of his culture and the trials and tribulations African Americans faced to get to where they are today.

“This month represents strength and pride of the black community and it truly dignifies the importance of our history,” Berrian said.

The first week of February was dedicated to Black History Month with special Chapel services organized and led by the African American Student Association. 

“One of the biggest things I really enjoyed about the Chapels this week was the praise and worship,” added Berrian. “It made me feel like I was at my home church and gave me the black church experience. It was extremely moving.”

The Chapel services included messages from:

Pastor Alex Sanders, the first African-American to serve as president of the South Carolina Baptist Convention who challenged students to go beyond their limits even when they face opposition.

Dr. Carl Parrott, founder and senior pastor of Rhema Word Restoration Ministries in Columbia who discussed the power of collaboration among believers.

CIU alumna the Rev. Margo Wright Williams, author of the book, “Petty Pain: Understanding the Assignment of Offense.”

Graduate student Christian Kah said he especially appreciated Williams’ message taken from her book that challenges believers to examine their own heart first when they feel offended by others.

“The whole aspect of the book … looking at yourself and doing a self-analysis, self-evaluation, and communicating with the Holy Spirit, and finding those things in yourself … what’s going on inside of you really portrays what’s going to come out,” Kah said. “So, starting with what’s in your heart and what the Lord wants to do in you first and then acting upon that.”

Listen to the Black History Month messages on CIU’s podcast site.

With record enrollment in 2020, CIU consistently ranks among the Top Regional Universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report, as well as a Best Value Regional University in the South. Request information on enrollment at CIU and Columbia Biblical Seminary at (800) 777-2227, ext. 5024 or www.ciu.edu.