Hundreds of supporters filled the Ohio Union Ballroom last evening to hear the closing speech for Ohio State’s 2003 celebration of Black History Month.

The observance of black culture was highlighted by many spiritual speakers and performances. Mac Stewart, vice provost of Minority Affairs, was the master of ceremonies for the program.

“I’m still on a high from last year’s celebration,” he said.

The event was sponsored by African-American Student Services and the Hale Black Cultural Center. The featured speaker for the celebration was Thomas E. Pope, Jr. — an OSU alumnus who graduated in business and broadcasting. Pope is best-known for being the general manager of the Powernomics Radio Network based in Washington D.C. He also hosts a self-titled, nationally syndicated talk-radio program.

“I feel like I have been in church this evening. We have a big spiritual theme,” Pope said. “Let’s not let religions divide us. We must be united.”

Much of the evening’s conversation was centered around issues relating to the black community. Issues focused on the impending war with Iraq, strengthening bonds between blacks and standing up for beliefs.

Pope spoke directly to the students in the crowd.

“We’ve got a generation of young folks who have never been at war and have never seen a ‘colored only’ sign,” he said. “It’s great to have a generation like this.”

Pope reminded students about to graduate to never forget how they got where they are.

“You may think you got here from your own accomplishments, but you are all benefiting from wells you didn’t dig,” Pope said, reminding the crowd of racial struggles in the past.

Students were reminded black history goes back much further in time than slavery in America. Blacks were smelting metal in South Africa 30,000 years ago, Pope said.

The bottom line, Pope said, was that the world will not improve until blacks make it happen.

“Each and everyone of you have a champion in you. You got to let it out and listen to it,” he said.

The atmosphere of the evening was marked by words from Donnell Muhammad of the Nation of Islam in Columbus, and by Bishop Timothy J. Clarke, of the First Church of God.

Clarke gave spiritual advice to those opposing war with Iraq.

“Stand up and get involved,” he said. “Register to vote, and then do it. Vote for those candidates that will help.”

The bishop stuck with the evening’s theme of remaining strong.

“We are where we are today because of our faith,” Clarke said.

Highlights of the celebration included performances given by the 3-D Dance Organization and the African American Voices at OSU.