As we step into Black History Month, we embrace a crucial chapter of American history. This month is a powerful reminder of our shared journey and the vibrant tapestry of history that unites us all. It's a time to learn, reflect, and grow together as a community.
Black History celebrates resilience and courage, from the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott to the pivotal 1963 March on Washington and the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision. These events remind us of the sacrifices made by those who came before us. Their courage inspires us to stand up and speak out, echoing the sentiment that change will not come if we wait for someone else or for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for; we are the change that we seek.
As the Director of the Centers for Diversity and Inclusion, I want to emphasize the significance of this month for our entire community. We understand the nuances of being neurodiverse and the challenges of feeling unheard and overlooked. Remember, Black history isn’t a separate history. This is all our history; this is American history, and we all play a part in it.
I urge each of you to take a moment to immerse yourself in the rich narratives of Black history—whether through a book or a film, by visiting the Centers for Diversity and Inclusion, or by checking out the Black History Month display in the library. Check out books like My Black Country by Alice Randall and Legacy – Treasures of Black History by John Hope Franklin.
Let's unite to foster connections that strengthen our community and celebrate our shared experiences.
This Black History month let us honor our past, embrace our present, and work towards a future that uplifts and unites us all. I also encourage you to share your stories or experiences about Black history. Your voice is an integral part of our collective narrative.
This essay was written by Marc Thurman, Director of the Landmark College Centers for Diversity and Inclusion. Learn more about CDI here.