As we conclude Black History Month, all of us at the James A. Triandiflou '88 Institute for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Transformative Practice want to express our gratitude for the vibrant celebration throughout SUNY Oswego’s campus!
With the display of events and other impactful forms of education from our faculty and student body regarding history, culture and contributions of the Black community, this month has been nothing less than a powerful reminder of the importance of acknowledging and honoring the past of the Black Community, while actively shaping a more inclusive future!
To introduce the month’s observances, the campus community celebrated their 35th annual Martin Luther King Jr. ceremony on Feb. 1. The night featured performances, readings and musical selections from SUNY Oswego’s talented student and faculty body, which culminated with a keynote address from playwright, producer, director, author and publisher Ira Knight.
To expand on the ceremony’s tradition, the campus held a new event, The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration the following day. This creative experience, hosted by Emmy-nominated poet Jillian Hanesworth, showcased student-led performances, spoken-word pieces and the visual arts.
To conclude the three-day series, The Student Engagement and Leadership team hosted their second annual MLK Day of Service in partnership with Rise Against Hunger.
We also would like to acknowledge and commend The Black Student Union for their events and programming efforts throughout the month!
This February has been a representation that Black History Month serves as a reminder of America’s past and allows us to pay tribute to those who have paved the way with significant contributions to the Black Community. It gives us an opportunity to collectively assess where we are now and where we want to be.
Let's carry the spirit of Black History Month with us throughout the year, embracing diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of our campus life. Together, we can create an environment that uplifts every student, staff member and faculty, ensuring that SUNY Oswego remains a place where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this month a success. Let's continue to learn, grow and celebrate the richness of our in our campus community and beyond!
-- Submitted by the James A. Triandiflou '88 Institute for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Transformative Practice