Celebrating Black History Month

The campus will celebrate Black History Month with a variety of events and speakers. Presenters include, clockwise from top left, Melody M. Brown G’17; Emmanuel Hudson; Reighan Alston ’19; Shyla Powell and Jaleel Campbell.

As the month of February begins, the campus community is invited to celebrate Black History Month. The Black History Month planning committee, comprising students, faculty and staff, and led by Multicultural Affairs, Barnes Center at The Arch, Student Activities and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, have planned a month full of programs and events centered on the theme of “Black Health and Wellness,” the national theme for Black History Month.

The month kicks off with a two-part opening celebration on Tuesday, Feb. 1. The Schine Student Center atrium will feature a kick-off celebration from noon-2 p.m., and from 7-9 p.m., a ceremony featuring student groups and performers will take place in Goldstein Auditorium, Schine Student Center. Emmanuel Hudson, TV personality and comedian featured on “Wild ’N Out,” will emcee.

“As we honor Black History Month, the planning committee has organized a robust calendar of events that focus on the multifaceted components of wellness. From creative expression, to recreational activities, to mental health, the schedule encourages our campus community to reflect, celebrate, connect and practice self-care. I encourage all students, faculty and staff to get involved throughout the month,” says Cerri Banks, vice president and deputy to the senior vice president.

Some additional events scheduled during the month include:

• “State of the Black…” Series featuring sessions focused on creative work, professional experiences and hair experience, including one event with local artist and Black Artist Collective founder Jaleel Campbell
  

  London Hill and Alexis James

• A weeklong Black Health and Wellness Expo, including a MOVE-IT Workout with group fitness instructor Reighan Alston ’19; an event with Barnes Center therapists London Hill, Alexis James and Shyla Powell on Supporting Black Mental Health Through Self Care; and a session with Karina Anderson, assistant director of the financial literature program in the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship Programs, on The Challenge of Debt for Black Students and How to Manage It
• Student v. Staff/Faculty Basketball Classic
• The 2022 Impact of Relationships on the Black Community featuring Melody Brown G’17, LMFT
• Celebrating Black Excellence Ceremony
  

  Karina Anderson

New this year, the committee has also organized a recognition to share appreciation with faculty and staff who identify as Black/African American and have made significant contributions to campuswide diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility work and to the betterment of the Black/African American community.

Campus community members may nominate a staff or faculty member for the Black Rose of Appreciation now until Feb. 18. Roses will be presented at the Celebrating Black Excellence Ceremony on Feb. 25.

For more information about the Black History Month celebration, complete event details and additional events, visit the University Events Calendar.