Student Club Spotlight: Proven

Proven, Hardin-Simmons University’s Black Student Union, hosts various events throughout the year to share Black culture with the campus and community. The club uses these events to promote fellowship, collaboration, and provide space to have conversations. To celebrate Black History Month, Proven has scheduled a calendar of events to highlight Black voices and stories.  

Caleb Young speaking to Stafford E.S. students

On February 17, HSU students visited Stafford Elementary School to share about leadership and Black history with young students. HSU students gave presentations on historic Black figures, including Dr. Butler (Abilene’s first medical doctor of color), Maya Angelou, Ruby Bridges, Coretta Scott King, and Kobe Bryant. Proven students also read books and poems to highlight Black voices, including selections from Maya Angelou and Shades of People by Shelly Rotner and Sheila Kelly.

Jailyn Woods-McGarthy ’23, president of Proven, shared the meaning of Black History Month to her is, “a celebration and remembrance of past, present, and future African American culture and knowledge. It’s the lifeline that continues to educate us all on the contributions, achievements, history, and impact of African Americans.”

Earlier in the month, Proven hosted a game night in collaboration with Sabers called “It’s a Family Thang” to share an important aspect of Black culture. Woods-McGarthy explained, “One of the most important elements in Black culture is family. Family means everything.” By hosting the family game night, Proven was able to engage students in fellowship and extend the family ties found in Proven to the rest of the campus. 

Proven is hosting an on-campus movie night on February 18. They encourage all to attend and learn about Ruby Bridges, civil rights activist and the first African-American child to desegregate the all-white William Frantz Elementary School in Louisiana in 1960.

To stay up to date with events and news, follow Proven on their Instagram.