Celebrating Black History Month with various events
February is Black History Month, and Elizabethtown College celebrates it by hosting events on campus that recognize the work of Black artists, poets and more. This is also a great way to highlight diversity groups around campus.
One of the events on campus was “Harlem Nights,” which was sponsored by the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Title IX.
Another event was “Lift Every Voice and Sing: A Celebration of African American Poets,” which was hosted by The Fine and Performing Arts department (FAPA), The High Library and the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Title IX.
Students performed the poetry of a wide range of African American poets in a concert of dramatic readings and songs. Some of the poets featured in these readings were Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks and Paul Laurence Dunbar.
On campus, students have access to a variety of diversity programs. For example, the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Title IX offers events, resources and more for students. They strive to introduce programs, educational opportunities and services that are multicultural in content and that express diverse life experiences and perspectives minority groups have to offer.
The Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Title IX also upholds the College’s statement on nondiscrimination, which is as follows:
“Elizabethtown College does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, possession of a general education development certificate as compared to a high school diploma or any other legally protected status. This commitment applies but is not limited to decisions made with respect to hiring and promotion, the administration of educational programs and policies, scholarship and loan programs and athletic or other College administered programs. Discriminatory acts of any kind are strictly forbidden.”
Students also have access to NOiR Diversity Student Union, which is devoted to creating dialogue about the different aspects of diversity. NOiR’s goal is to create a sense of community for students who are looking for support or a home away from home through events, programs and discussions.
Another group is the National Society of Black Engineers, and their purpose is to increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the Elizabethtown community.
Connect, another student club, seeks to expand cultural knowledge by hosting cultural events and promoting intercultural communication skills. The club “offers an environment in which students from different cultures and backgrounds can work together to learn about diversity and opportunities on campus,” according to the Office of Student Activities.
