Malone University Honors Black History Month
At Malone, we believe that cultural and racial differences are valuable dimensions of campus life which enhance the learning environment and enrich the entire community. For these reasons, we honor Black History Month each February and celebrate the diverse contributions our students make to our campus community all year long.
“The goal of the Office of Multicultural Services is to continue building a Circle of Understanding, which is our programmatic theme this year, among all stakeholders on campus and in our community at large, about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging,” said Andrea Ramsey, director of multicultural services. “Our programs will highlight the contributions of African Americans that have historically been minimized or overlooked in reflections about American history.”
During the month of February, the Office of Multicultural Services (OMS) sponsored the following events:
- "Circle of Understanding: Empowering Student Voice" – A workshop at the inaugural Alliance for Community & Equity (ACE) Summit at the University of Mount Union on February 3, 2023. Bryson Davis, assistant professor of sociology and Andrea Ramsey, director of multicultural services, shared about the ways the student voice has been empowered at Malone in an effort to build understanding among diverse groups.
- A month-long Spiritual Formation Opportunity (SFO) titled “Proud to Be We” is being held on the first four Thursdays in February (concluding on February 22) at 6:30 p.m. in the Silk Auditorium. Using media such as the Disney movie “Elemental” and the television series “The Proud Family,” student facilitator Windy Singo facilitates discussions to better understand differences, diversity, and unity.
“Black History Month does more than just encourage future generations. It reminds all races that every contribution to history matters,” said Windy Singo ’24, political science major. “I want to create history, but don’t want it to be limited to just Black History.”
- Weekly SFO Be:Justice collaborated with OMS to host a panel discussion about social justice and Black History Month on Friday, February 16 in the Stewart Room. Malone faculty, staff, students, and community members participated in an effort to bring clarity to why we are still discussing race today and how faith should shape our interactions with one another in this space.
- Beginning on February 19, Andrea Ramsey is offering a 1.0 credit professional development workshop studying the book, The Equity and Social Justice 50, by Baruti Kafele. This virtual and in-person book study, open to educators who want to improve the academic and behavioral outcomes for all students, and specifically for African American students, begins on February 19. Registration is open online.
- “In The Moment,” a SFO featuring author and evangelist Lorraine Freeman, will begin on February 20 and run for four sessions (concluding on March 19). These sessions will include devotional study and worship, held in Founders Hall 65 from 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.
- The Art of Black Expression, a capstone Black History Month celebration, will be held on February 29, at 6:30 p.m. in the Johnson Center Chapel. Participants include gospel singing group Geno Myers & Grace, the Hour of Power dance ministry team, the TKO step team, and Malone's own Nichelle Mosely ‘24 with musical selections and Macy Jackson ‘26 with fashion. This event is free and open to the public.