Virginia State University News September 26, 2019 Virginia State University celebrates LGBTQ History Month LGBTQ History Month is a month-long celebration that occurs each year in October to observe lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender history. It also honors the history of gay rights. Virginia State University (VSU) is dedicated to supporting and affirming its LGBTQ community. President Makola M. Abdullah, Ph.D. wants to ensure that VSU is an opportunity institution for all students. Led by the University's LGBTQ student organization Rainbow Soul, there are a series of events and activities scheduled during LGBTQ History Month. The events will kick off Tuesday, Oct. 1 with the raising of the Rainbow flag followed by a Pride candlelight vigil later that evening at the University's fountain of knowledge to honor LGBTQ persons, specifically transwomen of color tragically killed this year. Additionally, VSU will celebrate Pride Week Oct. 7 through Oct. 11 and conclude the week with the annual Pride Ball on Friday, Oct. 11 at the Gateway Dining & Event Center. LGBTQ History Month was first celebrated in the United States in 1994 when Rodney Wilson, a Missouri high school teacher, believed a month should be dedicated to the celebration and teaching of gay and lesbian history, and gathered other teachers and community leaders to support the effort. For more information, contact the Rainbow Soul Co-Advisor Regina Barnett Tyler at rbarnett@vsu.edu<mailto:rbarnett@vsu.edu>. SANDRA M. PHOENIX HBCU Library Alliance Executive Director Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta GA 30314 404-978-2118 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> Honor the ancestors, honor the children and those yet to come. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter at https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/