Dean's Message: Black History Month in 2022
The theme for 2022 Black History Month is Black Health and Wellness, with a focus on the legacy of Black scholars and health and medical practitioners in Western medicine and fostering good physical, emotional and mental health. Every day at KU, Black students, faculty, staff and alumni contribute to our community and the world by conducting research and inspiring discourse on today’s scientific and societal challenges. So that we can promote engagement in learning about the discoveries and efforts being made in these areas in the College, we will be highlighting a few of these projects and ideas on our social media channels over the next couple of weeks.
For nearly a century, February has been a time for celebrating the contributions of Black Americans. It began as a celebratory week to honor the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln after Carter G. Woodson and Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. Schools, college campuses and communities around the country were encouraged to host lectures and events to discuss the history and achievements of African Americans. Fueled by the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s, the week-long event spread to a month-long commemoration and was officially recognized by President Ford in 1976.
Today’s Black History Month looks different than it once did. While we still host events and strive to learn more about the achievements of Black Americans, we know that it can’t be something we think and learn about and celebrate just during February. We need to celebrate Black History Month while actively working against racism year-round.
As an institution of higher education, it is crucial to understand and actively work against the propensity for history to repeat itself – the last few years have shown just how easy it can be. We must work to consistently recognize the historical and cultural contributions – both big and small – of African Americans to our world today.
This February we hope you take some time to reflect on what you are doing in your every day to support and promote the accomplishments and importance of Black Americans. Support Black businesses, read Black authors, curate your social media, and continue to educate yourselves, families and friends.
Sincerely,
The College Executive Team
John Colombo, Interim Dean | Margaret Brumberg, Chief of Staff | Alesha Doan, Associate Dean | Ben Eggleston, Associate Dean | Tamara Falicov, Associate Dean | Kristine Latta, Director of College Office of Graduate Affairs | Karen Ledom, Assistant Dean | Samantha Montague, Assistant Dean | Maria Orive, Associate Dean | Mark Reynolds, Director of Finance & Planning | Heather Anderson, Director of Communications & Marketing