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��ʮ��’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is offering a series of Black History Month Programs for students, faculty, and staff throughout February.

The series began February 13 with an online discussion on anti-Blackness and concludes on February 27 with an in-person discussion on racial healing.

February 13, noon-1 p.m. “Anti-Blackness.” Anti-Blackness is defined as the beliefs, attitudes, actions, practices, and behaviors of individuals and institutions that devalue, minimize, and marginalize the full participation of Black people —visibly (or perceived to be) of African descent. In this session, participants learned how these systems are manifested on both a personal and structural level and strategies to dismantle these systems.

February 13, 6:30-7:30 p.m. “Talking Black in America.” There is a distinction between African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and Standard American English (SAE).  One is valued over the other and frequently determines how an individual is perceived. This interactive workshop enlightened participants about the origins of and what people get wrong about AAVE, why people code switch, and how to avoid bias around speech and grammar.  

February 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m. “BHM Trivia Hour.”  (Student program). Inclusion and Advocacy Center, 3rd Floor, Edgehill Mansion. Test your knowledge of Black history and have fun at the same time.  Pizza will be served.

February 27, noon-1 p.m. “Let’s Get in Formation for Racial Healing.” Inclusion and Advocacy Center, 3rd Floor, Edgehill Mansion. Before we can transform systems and structures, we must start with people first.  Let’s talk with our friends, colleagues and classmates about racism, racial equity and racial healing. Bring your lunch and be ready to build authentic relationships that bridge divides created by real and perceived differences. 

For more information, please contact Stacy Poe, Executive Director, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.