Black History as Living Legacy

Hello all,

February is Black History Month and there is a lot to celebrate in Black History—and important contributions in the now.

Chancellor King and the SUNY Trustees published a statement that you can read online, including this excerpt:

"The history of African Americans is the history of America. It is a history of struggles and successes, of unspeakable injustice and joyous triumph, of the fight for freedom and equality, and of the quest to build a truly just nation where all can thrive.

Access to education is a foundational necessity if we are to learn the lessons of the past and take the steps necessary to build a society that empowers and uplifts us all. That is core to SUNY's mission, and it is enshrined in our history. Our founding statute directs us: ‘to provide to the people of New York educational services of the highest quality, with the broadest possible access, fully representative of all segments of the population.'"

I also want to share a wonderful blog post with you from an American Library Association library newsletter Towards Inclusive Excellence, that I receive titled Black History as Living Legacy: Education, Story, and Joy.

You'll find an insightful short essay from the author Dr. Marlee Bunch who is according to the blog post "an interdisciplinary educator, author, researcher, and lifelong learner. Her research examines the oral histories of Black female educators in Hattiesburg, Mississippi who taught between 1954 and 1971."

The essay concludes with a list of recommended readings and resources that I'm sure you will find useful.

What's happening on your campuses to celebrate Black History Month? Share the joy by posting those celebrations to this list so you can inspire others.

All the best,
Holly