Upon entering the Black Student Union office, one can notice the strong sense of community that the BSU members share. In one section, students are focused on homework, and another a group is circled around a table, engaged in lively discussion and there are always a few students just relaxing on a couch.

BSU Vice President Jamal Harrison said that this Black History Month, he wants to share the feeling of comfort that members possess with the greater Towson community.

Harrison said that he hopes that this month, Towson students will attend the open house hosted in the BSU office, University Union Room 246, every February.

“We just let everybody know what we’re doing in the Black Student Union and just welcome everybody into the office,” Harrison said.

Joan Maze, director of African American student development, said that Towson’s Black History Month will focus on social networking and how it can be used to explore some of the aspects of African American culture that are lesser known.

“I know a lot of students might think that they know about African American history and that type of thing and they’ve heard stories about different things, but I think what we’re doing is we’re touching upon stories that they may not be aware of,” Maze said.

Harrison said that he is excited about the other new February events taking place on campus, like hip-hop artist Common speaking Feb. 27.

He said he hopes the new take on Black History Month will help Towson students to appreciate diversity.

“Be excited about Black History Month, it’s a month to celebrate,” Harrison said. “Be informed about the rich history that we have here in the United States and what African Americans have contributed to the United States and the world.”

Maze said that above all, she hopes that Towson students will be inspired and take what they learn to better their community, so it can be safe place for all students.

“We want to make sure that whatever information they get it sparks something in them and it sparks ideas and ways that they think that they can impact history,” Maze said. “Even if they’re not African American, they can work and they can contribute to the overall bettering of our society.”