Martin continues, “There are reasons to hope, points of light that beacon a positive way forward, like our Black Student Union (BSU) whose efforts under the leadership of Black women students established the first scholarship of its kind, which is now university endowed. We are on the brink of another historic first with the anticipated nomination of a Black woman to the U.S. Supreme Court. And, over the last two years, the campus came together with intention and love—and a seeming collective conviction to do more and be better for the good of our students—including co-creating the Racial Equity Summit. We encourage you to find ways to add more points of light this month and beyond—continue growing, celebrate Black lives and pursue your respective paths toward deeper understanding. Lean into love—not the sentimentalist notion of love, but the love that requires honesty, openness to hard truths and action.”

The SU community is invited to participate in the events and opportunities this month to reexamine and recommit to living into our mission of fostering inclusive academic excellence organized by campus partners.

For additional resources, visit the updated Honoring Black History webpage, which features a range of educational resources, Zoom backgrounds and a listing of events and recommendations, including: