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In honor of Black History Month, ÐßÐßÊÓƵ University will celebrate with a series of events organized and sponsored by a variety of organizations, departments and clubs that highlight and pay tribute to the achievements of African Americans and important events that contributed to U.S. history.

In addition to university events, LU also chose to celebrate Black excellence by spotlighting several Black LU students and the many reasons why they feel this month is important. Aerod Wyre, senior mechanical engineering and mathematics major, shares what Black History Month means to him as a first-generation college student. 

Why does it feel important to celebrate Black History Month?  
I feel that it is important to celebrate Black History Month to illuminate the vast amount of unrecognized contributions, sacrifices and knowledge that the African American community contributed to building the United States of America that we live in today.

What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month means appreciating and celebrating the many African American pioneers who fought for equal rights and aided future innovation and strived for the same achievements and excellence that lies beyond our current circumstances. Black History Month means appreciating those before us who made great sacrifices, marched for social justice, and equitable opportunities for themselves and future generations of people of color. 

What motivates you to be successful? 
In my immediate family, I will be the first to graduate from an institution of higher education –– a first-generation graduate. I am a double major, majoring in mechanical engineering and mathematics with a minor in business. Graduating from college is a great accomplishment for myself and my household. I feel that this, along with my passion for cooking and my aspiration to one day own a chain of food establishments, motivates me to do more extraordinary things. My family's support and motivation, passion for the culinary arts, and my fraternity brothers (Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.) inspire me to increase my success capacity.

Which historical figure is most inspiring to you and why?
By far, the most inspiring historical figure that I genuinely admire is Madam C.J. Walker and her ability to scale a small business into an empire. Her tenacity alone speaks volumes in her efforts to become the first black female millionaire in America. Her ability to sell products through employing others while setting record-breaking numbers just as her neighbor John D. Rockefeller. Her story is the inspiration that motivates me even more to operate my own business.

What do you hope to accomplish during this month of recognition and celebration?
During this Black History Month, I plan to expand my knowledge range of business management, organization and master time management while succeeding academically. And yet execute my duties exceptionally well for the organizations where I hold leadership positions. In hopes to keep alive the spirit of my ancestors, I am committed to modeling and reaching higher heights of the work they started for the good of all.

Learn more about how ÐßÐßÊÓƵ University is celebrating Black History Month this year, visit lamar.edu/blackhistorymonth.