This February, Post University will mark the 197th anniversary of Black History Month with a series of events, speakers, and other activities that will recognize the unique experiences of African Americans and other people of color, as well as the critical role those experiences play in society. This year’s programming will center on building community through conversation, education, food, and personal expression.
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The University’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advocacy Council has collaborated with several departments across campus as well as organizations in the greater Waterbury area to connect our students with local community leaders on important issues such as the disparities between Black and white Americans.
On Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. in MacDermid Hall room 116, Campus Life will present “Wealth and Health Disparities in Black and White America,” a panel discussion about the wealth and health disparities that have existed for centuries between Black and white Americans. The panel discussion is intended to foster dialogue between panelists and students, faculty, and staff, as well as to highlight the diverse perspectives, research, and resources available to community members.
“The panel will be a space where people can have an important conversation about these topics in a casual, welcoming, and laid-back environment,” said Community Director Marcus Williams, who organized the panel. “It is critical for students and staff to truly understand these topics if professionals from various personal and professional backgrounds are vulnerable and answer questions honestly and fully.”
Paulina Lacossade, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, nurse practitioner at Yale New Haven Hospital, Derrell Wilson, the first African American Democratic Representative for Connecticut’s 46th district and a past president of the NAACP’s Connecticut State Conference Youth and College Division, Eric Simms, associate director of the student center at Southern Connecticut State University, and current Post associate James Whitley will be panelists. There will also be a live stream of the panel.
The University is this year’s Patron Sponsor of the 2023 Association for the Study of African American Life and History Black History Month Virtual Festival. The theme of this year’s festival, “Black Resistance,” is chosen by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. The festival will feature innovative virtual programs that will address “Black Resistance” in the arts, the Black Press, and the Black Church.
Other Black History Month activities at Post include:
A virtual trivia contest in which associates, alumni, and students compete for prizes while learning about African-American history.
“Feed Your Soul,” a co-sponsored event by Chartwells and Campus Life, will teach participants about the history, value, and significance of food in communities while enjoying traditional cultural foods with a modern twist.
A Black History Month coffee house featuring poetry and R&B performed by University community members.
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advocacy Council will host an open discussion about how African Americans have resisted oppression in all of its forms throughout history.
“Connections: A Black History Month Luncheon,” in which leaders from Waterbury’s BIPOC community will meet with Post’s Leadership Team, Student Government Association, and Black Student Union.
Please see the University’s United in Action page for a complete list of events and information on how to participate.
