A Message from the I-MERIT Director on Black History Month

Dr. Kumea Shorter-Gooden, Systemwide Director, I-MERIT

Throughout U.S. history, people of African descent have been denigrated. While the most egregious forms of racism—slavery and Jim Crow laws—have been abolished, the stigmatization and marginalization continue. The recent spate of noose hangings—a symbol of lynching which was a common practice well into the 20th century—is an obvious reminder of the ongoing problem. Marginalization begets invisibility. And because of this, Black History Month, celebrated during February, is especially important, as it shines a much-needed light on African American accomplishments, strengths, and continued struggles. Black History Month helps to take us beyond the prevailing popular culture images and icons and to see the everyday heroes, then and now, who have shaped this country and the world.

During the month of February, in honor of Black History Month, the Alliant Express will make visible the lives of a handful of Alliant faculty, administrators, and alumni/ae of African descent. These men and women have enriched the Alliant community in innumerable ways and their lives embody the university’s commitment to culturally competent professional practice that transforms the lives of the least of these. Special thanks are offered to Dr. Lenore Tate, an Alliant alumna and Assistant Program Director, Center for Forensic Studies, Sacramento, for conceiving of this project.

I hope that you will set aside some time this February to read, listen, and open your heart to both the contributions and the continued needs of people of African descent.

-- Kumea Shorter-Gooden, CSPP Professor and Systemwide Director
    International-Multicultural Initiatives (I-MERIT)