Black History Month was the focus of discussion when the Middle Tennessee State University Office of Intercultural and Diversity Affairs was featured in February’s “Out of the Blue” television magazine program.

Danielle Rochelle, director of Intercultural and Diversity Affairs, and William Rosser, graduate assistant and a student leader on campus, talked about the roster of events for the 2024 Black History Month observance throughout February and its importance to the community.

You can view the segment below:

The featured event of the month will be the 28^th annual Unity Luncheon, set for Feb. 8.

“This event allows us to honor unsung heroes within our Middle Tennessee community,” Rochelle said. “And for the first time this year, we are also inviting the Tennessee Journalism Hall of Fame to induct three new inductees.”

Other events welcoming the community include the Feb. 22 Black History Month keynote address and “Glory!” concert Feb. 29 featuring MTSU chorale members performing works by Black composers.

The rest of the monthlong series of programming is student-run and student focused — an aspect that hits home with Rosser.

“Black History Month means so much to me, being a minority student and just being around like-minded people and people that look like myself, and all the events they put forth for us … it’s always a good thing to be part of a program like this,” said Rosser, a graduate assistant in MTSU Athletics who is a frequent participant in IDA events.

Rosser said the annual “Showtime at the Apollo” talent showcase — set for Feb. 28 this year — helped him “get outside of my shell” by participating.

The grad student continues to be a part of Black History Month programming, including the seventh annual “Color the Runway,” a student-produced fashion show set for Feb. 16.

“It’s the opportunity for everybody to put on their best fit and be a part of the community,” Rosser said. “It’s a fun time and it’s free of charge. We love for people to come out. It’s a family affair.”

In addition to sharing about Black History Month events, Rochelle explained what the Intercultural and Diversity Affairs office offers. Whether students need a place for camaraderie and conversation, a connection to campus or community resources, or simply a quiet place to be, Rochelle said the IDA is open to all students.

“It’s always important to have somebody advocate for you,” Rochelle said.

To learn more about what the Intercultural and Diversity Affairs office offers, visit https:// mtsu.edu/idac/. Visit MTSU’s Black History Month website to learn more about events happening throughout February on campus.

Hosted by Andrew Oppmann, vice president for marketing and communications, “Out of the Blue” is available anytime on the university’s YouTube channel, the True Blue TV channel, Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV. It also airs on Murfreesboro cable Channel 9 daily at 6 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; NewsChannel5+ at 3:30 p.m. Sundays and on other cable outlets in Middle Tennessee, so check local listings. 

It is also available as a podcast on iTunes and Google Play and as individual interview segments on Spotify at https://spoti.fi/453hxg3. 

Watch previous episodes of “Out of the Blue” at https://mtsunews.com/out-of-the-blue.  

— Nancy DeGennaro (Nancy.DeGennaro@mtsu.edu)