As February begins, so does the celebration of Black History Month here at Elizabethtown College. The Department of Diversity, Equity and Belonging has worked with other departments to hold events in celebration and for education to further open the conversation between different identities on campus. Other groups, such as the Beloved Community Collective are also working to promote Black History Month in order to facilitate recognition and racial healing on campus.

Associate Director of the Department of Diversity, Equity and Belonging Darcey Mills spoke on the importance of understanding the historical impact and the impact of students today. He spoke about how highlighting these achievements and contributions allows us as a community to further the discussion and connect with each other, joining our strongest voices in efforts to enact change. It is important, not just this month, but every month to come together and connect as a community.

“Leaning on Martin Luther King Jr.’s call for peace through resistance to combat oppression in the community is the goal,” Mills said.

The Department of Diversity, Equity and Belonging works to create and improve the Etown campus’ climate, finding ways to bring students together in understanding. The Department’s efforts to enact change stems from their goals: to affirm commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence, create a welcoming environment, allow for cross-cultural interactions, foster a diverse learning experience for all and to create a diverse and welcoming campus. Mills says all students are welcomed to assist in the preparation and creation of events, and in the past have worked with and without the Department to start events they believe will create a new or affirming experience for Etown.

The events planned for Black History Month are meant to promote racial healing, education and connection between students. Mills adds that some of the main goals this year are to promote Black health and wellness and start the conversation about reconciliation and how we move forward as a community. The events allow for the student body to understand the history they might not have learned and how that affects our society today.

Some events celebrating Black History Month took place earlier this month and late last month, such as The Black History Month Flag Raising on the first day of the month. There are still upcoming events you can attend, such as the Ujima Dialogue Series on Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. with the Department of Diversity, Equity and Belonging, and many more throughout February. There are events both here on campus and over Zoom. For more information regarding these events, visit the Department of Diversity, Equity and Belonging’s page at www.etown.edu/offices/diversity/.