In 1915, Harvard educated historian Carter G. Woodson and a prominent minister Jesse Moreland started what was known as Negro History Week. Both men were affiliated with the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH). This organization was dedicated to researching and promoting the achievements of Black Americans and other people of African descent. Most literature written during this time did not highlight the accomplishments of African-Americans.
As I reflect on the bold initiative made by Carter G. Woodson and others, it becomes apparent why it was important for him to educate the country about the contributions made by African-Americans before, during and after the period of legalized slavery. He and others such as W.E.B. Dubois, presented a perspective that challenged the narrative that was being presented. Their research argued that the American experience is not one-dimensional and it is important that the experience of marginalized groups be shared through their own lens. In this way, we experience and value our nations diversity.
One hundred and six years later, we have infused in our curriculum numerous contributions that African-Americans have made to American society. Some of these contributions have been made in the areas of STEM, but are often not discussed. They include scientists such as Percy Lavon Julian, an American research chemist and a pioneer in the chemical synthesis of medical drugs from plants. He provided Glidden Company with over 100 patents while employed there. Another person is Lonnie Johnson, who is the inventor of the super soaker, a popular water toy used by people of all ages. More recently, Jeannette Jo Epps, a fellow alumni of LeMoyne College, is an American Aerospace Engineer and NASA astronaut.
I share these to say that there is a lot of unknown history that could really impact how we see and value diversity. To unpack this, we must strive to become continuous learners of other cultures or groups, and develop strong interpersonal relationships with members from these groups. And finally, develop a sense of hardiness within our own emotional intelligence to understand our responses when we encounter people or groups different from us.
This month. the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI) will be collaborating with several departments to share the experience of several prominent people in our community. On Feb. 3, the office is collaborating with the Voices: A Library Lecture Series to welcome Dorcey Applyrs, chief auditor for the City of Albany, as she presents The Politics of Public Health. The presentation will be a brief overview of the public health field and its relevance at this unique moment in history. The link below provides additional information:
https://events.hvcc.edu/event/the-politics-of-public-health/
On Feb. 4, the ODEI joins the Cultural Affairs Program and Office of Student Life/Student Senate to present a discussion with American journalist Dorothy Gilliam. She will talk about her experiences as the first female, African-American reporter at The Washington Post and her ongoing work to nurture other journalists of color. The link below provides additional information:
https://events.hvcc.edu/event/dorothy-butler-gilliam-trailblazing-journalist/
On Feb. 18 & 19, the ODEI will host a brown bag luncheon with Tibisay Hernandez to look at implicit bias, entitled “Bias: A Human Condition in the Classroom.” The session will include the neurological basis for implicit bias. Participants will be able to identify the different components that make up implicit bias and how these structures impact educational spaces. The sessions will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 pm. More information on how to register will follow.
On Feb. 26, the ODEI will post a podcast discussion of prominent locals using creative ideas to target young women and underrepresented minorities towards a career in STEM. The discussion will be facilitated by Taunya Hannibal-Williams, community outreach specialist in the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
We look forward to engaging you during these educational programs!
Published: Mon, 01 Feb 2021 13:10:01 +0000 by a.thomas1