Black History Month recognition and event
The University of Wisconsin–Whitewater pauses to recognize Black History Month. The national theme for Black History Month 2020 is “African Americans and the Vote”. This is a historic year as this is the 150th anniversary of the 15th Amendment which gave African American men the right to vote. As Black history is nestled in American History, we pause to honor and pay tribute to the early pioneers of Black History. Black History Month began in 1926 when historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History announced that the second week of February would be Negro History Week. Since 1976, Black History Month has been recognized annually throughout the United States and abroad.
For our campus, we have selected the theme, “Focusing on Progress”. As we continue to reflect on the accomplishments and contributions of African Americans to our nation and world, the campus community is invited to our signature Black History event. The Lt. Governor for the state of Wisconsin, Mandela Barnes, will be our keynote speaker. The event will be held at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 19 in the University Center Hamilton Room, followed by a reception. RSVP to Nicole Caine at cainen@uww.edu or by phone at 262-472-5669 by Friday, Feb. 14.
If there any questions, please contact the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. As we honor the past and forge onward to the future, as a campus community, we are mindful of the progress we have made and the progress that stands before us.
Kenny E. Yarbrough
Chief Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Officer
Office of the Chancellor