A Message from WIU President Guiyou Huang: Black History Month

University News

A Message from WIU President Guiyou Huang: Black History Month

February 2, 2021

Dear University Community,

Black History Month is observed across the nation during the month of February, and Western Illinois University has a long-established tradition of celebrating Black History Month through numerous programs, events and activities.

This evening at 6 p.m., our keynote speaker, Dr. Keona Ervin, an associate professor, at the University of Missouri-Columbia is delivering, via Zoom at https://wiu.zoom.us/j/99652421131, "Reimagining Liberation: Black Feminism from the Combahee River Collective to the Movement for Black Lives." In addition, Western's Multicultural Center, the Black Student Association, the Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center and other University programs and departments have a slate of activities scheduled throughout the month. Visit bit.ly/WIUBHM2021 for more information.

I'm pleased that our University takes part in this most important annual celebration to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of our Black students, faculty, and staff, along with generations of Black activists and leaders. The recognition and awareness should not stop when February comes to a close. We have 365 days a year that are filled with opportunities to learn more and to promote understanding and equality.

The Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center within WIU's Multicultural Center, along with the Black Student Association, the Black Male Achievement Network, the Black Student Summit, the African Student Association, the WIU NAACP Chapter and more, provide numerous ways for Black students to come together at WIU, as well as provide learning opportunities for all members of our University community and area residents.

As our Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center put it so succinctly on their website, "Together we move forward!"

Thank you.

Guiyou Huang
President
Western Illinois University