Throughout February in recognition of Black history and heritage, Northwest Technical College is joining communities across the nation to intentionally honor and celebrate Black and African American culture, life and history.
President Faith C. Hensrud said it is important to celebrate Black history and heritage while seeking ways to increase our individual capacity and knowledge of this history in America.
“With greater knowledge, we can work together to educate our students and to live up to our shared fundamental value that focuses on multicultural understanding as we embrace our strategic priority that commits to creating a university culture in which diversity is embraced and all members are safe, welcome and validated,” she said.
Dr. Ye “Solar” Hong, director of diversity, equity and inclusion at Northwest Tech and Bemidji State University, said that even though February is nationally recognized as Black History Month, Northwest Tech’s celebration of Black lives, successes and heritage is not limited to one month. It’s year-round, she said.
“It is imperative to continually engage people in the work towards the common goal of equitable outcomes for everyone,” she said. “Black history and heritage should be celebrated and the recognition should not be limited to February only.”
Throughout the month, NTC’s Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will hold a series of celebratory and educational events for the Bemidji community.
“The theme for this year’s Black history month is Black health and wellness which is particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic with the disproportional impact of the pandemic on Black communities,” President Hensrud said. “I encourage our students to participate in the events developed by Dr. Solar Hong, and for each of us to seek ways to engage in opportunities for individual, and professional growth and development.”
For up-to-date information about the events, visit https://calendar.bemidjistate.edu/.
Steven D. Parker, campus diversity officer for Northwest Tech and Bemidji State, said the the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is working with community partners to host a virtual panel of Black Minnesota community leaders. The panel “Living in Black History: The Realities of Modern Leader” will encourage the campus communities to take advantage of these learning opportunities.
“The Black and African American history in the U.S. is dense, sometimes painful, and often times rich,” he said. “This year for Black history and heritage experience, the Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion looks to provide students with opportunities to learn and embrace Black and African American truths. Led by Dr. Ye Solar Hong, students can expect a spread of engaging programs.”
Minnesota State Equity 2030
In June 2019, the Minnesota State system set a critical goal to eliminate the educational equity gaps at each of its member colleges and universities by 2030. The goal requires advocacy and leadership with partners and stakeholders across the state.
Minnesota State’s core value is to provide opportunity for all Minnesotans to create a better future for themselves, for their families and for their communities. Equity 2030 seeks to bridge the already significant equity-focused efforts underway within the system and its institutions, creating an intentional statewide culture of equity-minded collaboration and resulting in equitable practices embedded throughout the system of state colleges and universities.
To reach Equity 2030, Minnesota State institutions are adapting and changing systems and cultures to meet the needs of today’s students, rather than expect today’s students to learn or adapt to the systems and culture of yesterday’s higher education.
Realizing these changes will require intentionally prioritizing capacity-building to make change across all levels of Minnesota State and empowering individuals regardless of title or responsibility to examine, explore, and experiment with evidence-based innovation to close attainment gaps.
Upcoming Black History Month Events
Black Health and Wellness Panel
Where: Hagg-Sauer Hall 115
When: February 18 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Film: The Help
Where: Hagg-Sauer Hall 116
When: February 24 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
We Are Living Black History
Where: Zoom – 991 2949 2241 Passcode: 322415
When: February 25, 1:30-3 p.m.
Documentary: The History of Black Music
Where: Crying Wolf Room, Hobson Memorial Union
When: February 25, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Virtual Mental Illness & Movement
Where: Crying Wolf Room, Hobson Memorial Union
When: February 25 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Links
2021-N-41