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Celebrating Black History
Alumna Chavon Thomas '11 to present during VWU’s commemoration of Black History Month
University News | January 26, 2021
The annual observance of Black History Month, also known as African-American History Month across the United States, pays tribute to generations of African-Americans and the significant roles they have played in shaping our nation’s history and society.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, American historian Carter G. Woodson established Black History Week (then called “Negro History Week”) nearly a century ago. The event was first celebrated during the second week of February 1926, selected because it coincides with the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and abolitionist/writer Frederick Douglass (February 14). That week would continue to be set aside for the event until 1976 when, as part of the nation’s bicentennial, it was expanded to a month. Since then, U.S. presidents have proclaimed February as National African-American (Black) History Month.
At Virginia Wesleyan, Wesleyan Engaged is collaborating with other campus offices and organizations to organize activities in honor of this special month.
The Office of Alumni and Parent Relations will host Virtual Wesleyan Wednesdays via Zoom on February 10 and February 24 at noon.
On February 10, “Nevertheless, They Persisted: How Three Defiant Women Confronted Race in America," will be presented by Dr. Craig Wansink, Professor of Religious Studies and Joan P. and Macon F. Brock, Jr. Director of the Robert Nusbaum Center.
“During Black History month,” noted Dr. Wansink, “we take a quick look at three 19th century examples for us--Sojourner Truth, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Emma Lazarus--and how their spiritualism, atheism, and Judaism brought them to defy racism in the United States. How did they inspire and lead, within their limited sphere of influence, and how might their example shape us?”
Registration for this free event is open.
On February 24, the Wesleyan Wednesday topic will be "A Decision to Be Impactful," presented by Virginia Wesleyan alumna Chavon Thomas '11. Thomas ended 2020 as an Amazon #1 bestselling author of "Undeterred: Success Stories of Female Leaders Who Pursued a Seat at the Table," a book she co-authored with other women in leadership. Her chapter was titled, “Becoming an Educator for the Next Generation.” As a first-generation college student, she is passionate about helping other individuals overcome obstacles by providing the foundational knowledge found in her original book "Turning High School into a Launching Pad" and sharing other women's stories of triumph in her talk show.
Registration for this free event is open.
On February 19 at noon, the Office of Counseling Services will offer “You Good? A Conversation on Black Mental Health,” facilitated by Dr. Crista Glover, Assistant Director of Counseling Services. The event will offer a safe space for students, staff, and faculty to authentically discuss current events.
“If you are still recovering from 2020, you are not alone,” said Dr. Glover. “While it was a challenging year for most, it seemed especially challenging for the Black community, given the current racial climate. This virtual town hall style meeting will discuss common mental health reactions to current events, review types of individual self-care, and highlight the importance of collective community care, including campus supports.”
Register in advance for this event.
Each Tuesday during Black History Month, the Robert Nusbaum Center will highlight a black leader from Coastal Virginia who has broken barriers and made contributions to the betterment of the region and beyond. Visit the Nusbaum Center’s Facebook Page to learn about these courageous change agents.
On February 19 at noon, the Nusbaum Center will sponsor a virtual event: “Tripped, Terrorized, Spat Upon, and Stabbed in School: The True Story of the Norfolk 17.” Producer Lisa Godley and New Journal & Guide editor Brenda Andrews join this virtual event to watch and discuss segments from the documentary, “Norfolk 17: Their Story.” Following Massive Resistance that shut down Norfolk Public Schools from 1958 – 1959, seventeen black students were the first to integrate the city's all white high schools. They reunited in 2007 to tell their story.
Register for this event.
In addition, throughout the month of February, students, faculty and staff will collaborate to host events that raise awareness and educate the campus community about the significant contributions and achievements of African-Americans throughout our nation’s history, highlighting some of the issues that are especially important today.
Hofheimer Library will display books related to Black history on the second floor. Wesleyan Engaged will host an open dialogue about Black culture and how it has developed and evolved throughout America’s history. On February 21 - 22, the Office of Residence Life will host a “Hall of Heroes” that spotlights notable Black Americans who've made significant contributions to their communities, our nation, and the world, and a special movie night for residents. The Office of Student Activities is planning “make and take” activities that promote the significant contributions of Black leaders and events that educate and inform the community in entertaining ways, such as “Black History Bingo.” At the end of the month, student athletes are organizing a “campus walk” to honor the contributions of African-Americans. And, on February 18, the campus community will have the opportunity to dine on African-American cuisine, choosing from a menu suggested by students, during “Soul Food Night,” sponsored by Sodexo, in Boyd Dining Hall.
“Black History Month provides a time for us to explore, discover, and celebrate Black history, culture and heritage,” said Chief Diversity Officer Brian Kurisky. “This month brings to the forefront the significance and accomplishments of African-Americans throughout history and provides a time to bring the community together to discuss key issues specifically related to culture and race.”
Contact Dr. Brian Kurisky, Chief Diversity Officer, at wesleyanengaged@vwu.edu for more information.