Black History Month Message From President Murray
February 17, 2021
MEMORANDUM TO THE MARIST COLLEGE COMMUNITY
FROM: DENNIS J. MURRAY
As classes get underway for the spring 2021 semester, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that February is Black History Month, a time we set aside to honor the many achievements of Black Americans and celebrate their substantial contributions to this country. If you look at any aspect of American society – education, medicine, law, politics, the military, and the arts to name a few – you’ll clearly see the influence of Black Americans and everything they’ve done to advance the nation.
Educational institutions have a particular responsibility to help ensure that Black history is both widely known and appreciated, and Marist is proud to do its part. Many offices and departments across the College are sponsoring programming during Black History Month and throughout the semester, including Academic Affairs, academic schools and departments, the Center for Multicultural Affairs, the Library, Student Affairs, Athletics, and the Center for Student-Athlete Engagement. Some examples include a panel discussion featuring Black Peace Corps volunteers who served in Africa on February 23 at 6:30 p.m., a talk by peace activist and motivational speaker Ken Nwadike, Jr. on February 23 at 9 p.m., and a discussion with former Vibe editor-in-chief Emil Wilbekin on February 24 at 6:30 p.m.
To see all of the events Marist has planned, please visit our homepage, diversity and inclusion website, or online events calendar. I hope you’ll participate in some of these activities, or others being sponsored by local libraries, municipalities, and civic organizations. Special thanks to Associate Professor of Criminal Justice Addrain Conyers, Director of the Center for Multicultural Affairs/HEOP Iris Ruiz-Grech, Presidential Fellow Mark Palmer, and Director of Academic Affairs Stephanie Seketa for their work coordinating many of these events, and to all who are planning meaningful programming for the Marist community.
The contributions of Black Americans are an integral part of American history, made all the more extraordinary because they were accomplished against a backdrop of systemic racism, discrimination, and violence. Let us honor the exceptional Black men and women who have helped shape us as a nation.