Hiram’s rich history demonstrates the College’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equality, inclusion, and acceptance. From its founding, Hiram accepted both women and people of color. All students, regardless of race or gender, were permitted to attend classes together––something that was unusual during the mid-1800s.
Black History Month is a time to honor the achievements of African Americans. This year, student organizations and campus leaders have come together to plan a series of events that celebrate the African American experience through educational and cultural activities.
A full listing of the events are below.
Week of February 1 – February 5
What’s on your mind? A series of mindful and courageous conversations about black experiences. Feel free to participate in the conversation or just listen to others.
Monday, February 1
Harriet Tubman on the $20.00 Bill? 7 p.m.
The United States government is considering placing the image of Harriet Tubman, the former enslaved leader of the Underground Railroad, on the $20 bill. Her image will replace that of former President Andrew Jackson. What’s on your mind?Email D. Ellis Rates at RatesDE@hiram.edu for the link to join. Facilitator: Destiny Smith ’21
Tuesday, February 2
Get Real About Relationships in the Black Community, 7 p.m.
We’ll touch on everything from stereotypes, interracial and intercultural dating, heterosexual norming, to the belief in soul mates. to name a few. Bring your thoughts to the table! Email D. Ellis Rates at RatesDE@hiram.edu for the link to join. Facilitator: Amber Henderson ’22
Wednesday, February 3
Colorism: What it Means to be Light Skinned, Dark Skinned, or Somewhere Between, 7 p.m.
White supremacy and colonialism birthed the concept of colorism that still exists today. What is it, how is it experienced, is it harming the Black community, and can society move beyond it? Email D. Ellis Rates at RatesDE@hiram.edu for the link to join. Facilitator: Satasha George
Thursday, February 4
Is Code Switching a Valuable Skill?, 7 p.m.
Learn about the technique of code switching as a communication tool used primarily among people of color. Never heard of “code switching”? Attend this session to learn more! Email D. Ellis Rates at RatesDE@hiram.edu for the link to join. Facilitator: Taylor Mullen ’23
Friday, February 5
The Crown Law and Open Dialogue, 7 p.m.
Should there be a law to prohibit companies from discriminating against Black people because of their hairstyles? We will discuss the Crown Law and related forms of workplace discrimination. What other topics would you like to discuss? Email D. Ellis Rates at RatesDE@hiram.edu for the link to join. Facilitator: Essynce Mitchell ’21
Black History Game Night, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Join the Office of Campus Involvement from the comfort of your own room to play some games. Email D. Ellis Rates at RatesDE@hiram.edu for the link to join.
Week of February 8 – February 12
Thursday, February 11
Can You See Us? Black Physicians Address Mental Health and Resource Stigma in the Black Community, 7:30-8:45pm
Talk about the impact of stress, trauma, poverty, systemic racism, and a myriad of other psycho-social issues that disproportionately affect Black people.
Friday, February 12
Black History Game Night, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Join the Office of Campus Involvement from the comfort of your own room to play some games. Email D. Ellis Rates at RatesDE@hiram.edu with questions.
Week of February 15 – February 19
Wednesday, February 17
Entrepreneurship Speaker Series, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Featured speakers for the third event in the newly established Entrepreneurship Speaker Series include the owners of a new comprehensive beauty store in Streetsboro. The All Beauty Supply Store is a family affair for Tiffany Marcy, her daughter, 15-year-old SaNiyah Henderson, and niece, Shanece Henderson. The store opened on October 1 and offers a variety of unique products with the goal that anyone can find products that work for their hair or fashion sense. Additional details and registration to be announced soon.
Thursday, February 18
Perspectives on Identity, Career, and the Workplace, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Join this conversation with students, alumni and the Hiram community. Alumni will share first-hand experiences on how they are successfully navigating their careers despite social barriers such as race, class and gender. Learn tools to help you navigate difficult conversations and experiences within the workplace and what resources can be used to grow professionally and personally. Guest speakers include Marlena (Carrington) Hudson ’02, employee and organization development supervisor at the NASA Glenn Research Center, Rodney Jacobs ’12, assistant Director for the City of Miami Civilian Investigative Panel, and Javonne (Woodland) Gray ’11, certified nurse midwife at University Hospitals. Register now.
Friday, February 19
Black History Game Night, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Join the Office of Campus Involvement from the comfort of your own room to play some games. Email D. Ellis Rates at RatesDE@hiram.edu with questions.
Week of February 22 – February 26
Spirit Week: Join the Office of Campus Involvement for a daily theme that celebrates culture, history, collective creativity, and unique individualism.
Monday, February 22
Dress for Excellence.
Tuesday, February 23
Wear something that inspires you or emulate someone who inspires you.
From Hiram to the Statehouse, 7 – 8 p.m. via Zoom
Meet Cleveland Native and new State House of Representative from District 25, Dontavius Jarrells ‘10 in this one-hour session open to students, faculty, staff and the Hiram community. As the first African American House of Representative from Hiram College, Dontavius has learned a lot since his time at Hiram and he will share insight on a variety of topics including:
- Ways he immediately learned to adapt to a new environment at Hiram;
- How his Liberal Arts education prepared him for a successful career and engaging in politics;
- How work ethics, both successes and failures have helped him grow;
- Successful ways to navigate the work place to overcome age, gender, racial and ethnic bias;
- What it means to be a House of Representative and how to uphold your civic responsibilities; and
- The value of networking, learning how to talk to people of all ages, backgrounds, affiliations and how this can help position you for success in so many ways.
Registration is required for this event. Zoom details will be sent to the email provided the day before the event. Register now.
Wednesday, February 24
Crown Expression Day: rock your hair in a way that speaks to your soul.
Thursday, February 25
Blast from the past: put on some gear from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, or 2000’s.
Friday, February 26
Black Out: Black is beautiful, so wear all black to celebrate.
Black History Game Night, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Join the Office of Campus Involvement from the comfort of your own room to play some games. Email D. Ellis Rates at RatesDE@hiram.edu with questions.
by Jenelle Bayus
