2021 2021: UMass Dartmouth celebrates Black History Month

Organizations from across campus and the region to host cultural events to appreciate the contributions of Americans of African descent

In the United States, February is designated as “Black History Month”, a time when Americans of all walks of life honor and appreciate the contributions of Americans of African descent in the areas of science and medicine, philosophy, law, literature, politics, visual and performing arts, athletics, music and more. From George Washington Carver to Dr. Mae C. Jemison; from Phillis Wheatley to James Baldwin; from Charlotte E. Ray to Charles Hamilton Houston; from Muhammad Ali to Serena Williams; from Paul Robeson to Marian Anderson; from Barack Obama to Kamala Harris – the contributions of Americans of African descent have and continue to influence the evolution and development of our society, both in the United States and on the world stage.

UMass Dartmouth’s Black History 4 Seasons Council, in collaboration with the Office of the Chief Diversity Officer, the Frederick Douglass Unity House, and other University and community partners, have organized a schedule of virtual on-campus and community events to celebrate Black History Month.  We invite all members of the UMass Dartmouth family and the public to join in the festivities as we celebrate Black History Month as a University community.

As a reminder, UMass Dartmouth celebrates Black history all year long.

For more information about events, visit our Black History 4 Seasons website.

For questions, please contact Black History 4 Seasons Council co-chairs Peggy Dias or David Gomes.

- David A. Gomes, Chief Diversity Officer

Events:

Massasoit Community College 19th Annual Martin Luther King (Virtual Event)

Wednesday, February 10, 2021 - 3-4:30 p.m.

A conversation with Sean Ellis, Advocate for Criminal Justice Reform.

Register via Zoom. Contact: Yolanda Dennis, Chief Diversity Officer, Massasoit Community College

Sponsored by the Massasoit Office of Diversity & Inclusion & the Year of Social Justice

Frederick Douglass Unity House 32nd Annual National African American Read-In (Virtual Event)

Thursday, February 18, 2021 - 3-5 p.m.

Read passages from Black/African American authors, writers, poets, and spoken word artists.

Readers must email their selection & time availability to Peggy Dias or David Gomes.

Register via Zoom. Contact: Dr. LaSella Hall, Associate Director FDUH.

Sponsored by the Leduc Center for Civic Engagement, the Frederick Douglass Unity House & BH4S

Frederick Douglass Unity House Poetry Night (Virtual Event)

Thursday, February 25, 2021 - 6-7 p.m.

Join UMassD students as they share their poetry and spoken word.

Register via Zoom. Contact: Dr. LaSella L. Hall

Sponsored by the Frederick Douglass Unity House & BH4S

Black In Business: HERstory (Virtual Event)

Thursday, February 25, 2021 - 7 p.m.

Celebrate Black female role models as they lead discussions on business and more.

Register at BuyBlackNB. Contact: Dr. Justina Perry

Sponsored by BuyBlackNB & the New Bedford Historical Society