February is Black History Month. Established in 1976, Black History Month honors the contributions of African Americans to U.S. history, science, mathematics, literature, art, music and culture. Kutztown University celebrates the month with events for the entire community.
The Multicultural Center aims to celebrate and honor cultures and communities year-round. Full listing of events can be found online. Get involved by contacting [email protected].
The Rohrbach Library has made numerous resources available digitally for Black History Month. DEI LibGuide, located at https://library.kutztown.edu/edi, lists resources the library has on topics of diversity, equity, justice and inclusion. It also hosts a DEI blog at rohrbachlibrary.wordpress.com.
Kutztown University’s Campus Life Channel, channel 3.1 on campus, is providing national content highlighting Black History Month surrounding famous black figures throughout American history.
Events at Kutztown University
Let’s Talk about: Mental Health and the Black Community
Tuesday, Feb. 7
2 p.m.; 218 MSU
Join us for a discussion and exploration on the intersections of race, culture and experiences of Black and African American communities as it relates to mental health and wellness. Hosted by Women’s Center.
Frederick Douglass Institute Tik Tok Challenge
Visit the FDI webpage or stop by FDI office in the Multicultural Center for more details. Entries due Feb. 20.
Honor, Remember, Inspire
Tuesday, Feb. 22
11 a.m., 218 MSU
One of several community-collaborative events celebrating Blacks in the Military, Guest Speaker Chief Warrant Officer 5 Phillip Brashear of the 80th Training Command, a U.S. Army Reserve unit based in Richmond, Va. CW5 Brashear is the third-born son of the late U.S. Navy Diver, Master Chief Petty Officer Carl Brashear, who is the subject of the well-renowned film “Men of Honor,” and whose role is played by actor Cuba Gooding Jr. CW5 Brashear has an extensive military career in the Naval Reserve, Virginia Army National Guard and the Army Reserve, culminating more than 38 years of honorable service. Event is open to the KU campus community and the public. Sponsored by Veterans & Military Services and Multicultural Services. *Opening Keynote of the Ujima Conference.
CW5 Brashear will also make appearances Feb. 21, at the ReadingFilmFEST “Men of Honor” screening for Berks County JROTC, Olivet Boys and Girls Club and KU Army ROTC, and again on the afternoon of Feb. 22, during Reading High School Student Council and JROTC Leadership Spotlight. Events are not open to the public. Co-sponsored by KU Offices of Veterans Services, Berks Community Action Program (BCAP), Reading School District, Reading FilmFEST and Berks County Veterans Affairs.
Learn more about this month by attending these Black History Month events or research facts online. For questions or to learn more, contact the office of the Chief Diversity Officer at [email protected].
