Black History Month is being celebrated  at Elizabethtown College in February. Collaborating with other departments, the Department of Diversity, Equity, and Belonging has organized celebrations and educational events aimed at fostering dialogue among diverse identities on campus to support racial reconciliation and acknowledgment 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 effect on students today. He discussed how highlighting these achievements and contributions allows us as a community to further the discussion and connect, 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.

This year’s theme, Black Americans and the Arts, celebrates the profound and evolving impact of Black artistry on our culture, national identity and social movements that have spanned the world over. 

The Department works to create and improve the Etown campus’ climate, finding ways to bring students together in understanding. The Department’s efforts to enact change stem 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 create a diverse and welcoming campus. Mills says all students are welcome to assist in the preparation and creation of events, and in the past has 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 have the sole purpose of promoting arts such as poems throughout the month. Students from the College share poems on their experiences here at the college or their experiences in an overall statement. 

Some events celebrating Black History Month took place earlier this month and late last month, such as The Black History Month Flag Raising on Feb. 1. There are still upcoming events you can attend,.  both  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/.