On February 6th, TUJ LEAD hosted its first Black History Month event in Parliament to celebrate Black history and culture. Honoring the birth of two influential figures in Black History, Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, February is marked as a time to remember important figures and events that have shaped African American history.

 The event opened with an engaging Kahoot quiz, where participants tested their knowledge of prominent Black figures. Following this was a presentation introducing the important artists and figures that made a huge impact on Black History. Among them was Elizabeth Catlett, who created a sculpture titled Invisible Man. This sculpture explores the complexity of America’s systemic inequality and the struggles faced by Black Americans.

 To gain deeper insights into Black culture, HipHop MC Jaylon Carter joined the event to share his experience as a Black creative in Japan. Having lived in Japan for more than a decade, he emphasized the power of art as another tool of communication. He reports that people can understand the vibe and the energy of art which transcends language barriers. He concluded his talk by encouraging participants not to isolate themselves but to take initiative, build connections and embrace the opportunities of living in Japan and studying at TUJ.  

 The event wrapped up with a creative mural activity. Participants created their own art work to celebrate Black History through art, while enjoying Caribbean food that was specifically prepared for this event.

 This event helped foster a sense of belonging for Black students, while also providing a welcoming space for non-Black students to learn and enjoy. TUJ LEAD plans to continue hosting events to cultivate an inclusive environment, encouraging students to learn, connect and appreciate the diversity of cultures around the world.