Whitman College Celebrates Black History Month

Each year, Whitman College proudly commemorates Black History Month with an expansive lineup of events designed to educate, inspire and celebrate the resilience and contributions of Black communities at Whitman and in the world. From raising awareness about social justice and historical erasure to fostering culturally responsive self-care and artistic expression, these events offer a multifaceted approach to honoring Black history.

This year’s celebration has been a collective effort, uniting student organizations such as the Black Student Union (BSU) and Women of Color Voices (WOCV), as well as campus institutions like the Third Space Center, Stevens Gallery and Penrose Library. 

Here’s a look at a few ways we’ve been honoring Black History Month at Whitman:

Bridging the Past

On Feb. 3, Whitman brought together two pillars of the African American community in Oregon for an insightful discussion on historical injustices and their lasting impact: Mariah Rocker, Public Programs and Exhibits Manager at Oregon Black Pioneers, and Taylor Stewart, Founder and Executive Director of the Oregon Remembrance Project.

Attendees gained a deeper understanding of how untold historical narratives of injustice against African Americans shape present-day disparities in housing access, community investment and policing. 

Power & Privilege Symposium

The annual Power & Privilege Symposium has become a cornerstone of Whitman’s commitment to fostering critical conversations about structural oppression and its manifestations both on campus and beyond. This year’s symposium (Feb. 19–21), themed “Reclaiming Hope: Resilience and Resistance in Action,” invited the Whitman community to engage in bold, transformative discussions centered on racism, sexism, ableism, capitalism and other systemic power structures.

The lineup included student-led sessions, artistic showcases, and compelling guest speakers, including photographer and activist Fatima Hossaini; equity facilitator, actress and comedian Kausar Mohammed; leading education scholar Terrell Strayhorn; and astrophysicist and science communicator Kihana Wilson.

Nourish and Flourish Your Hair

On Feb. 22, the Third Space Center and WOCV hosted an event that addressed an essential yet often overlooked aspect of cultural identity: Black hair care. 

Attendees participated in a DIY hair oil station, where they customized nourishing blends. And professional hairstylist Latifah Lyney led a demonstration on parting, braiding and protective styling, offering insightful hair-care tips.

The Black Voices Project

A collaborative effort between the Third Space Center and the BSU, the Black Voices Project provided a platform for celebrating Black identity, leadership and creative expression. Through these events, attendees not only heard powerful stories but also walked away with a deeper understanding of Black identity and resilience. Events included: 

• “Roots & Routes: Colonialism in Africa,” a discussion exploring how the legacy of colonialism continues to shape the continent’s economic, political and social landscapes.
• A book presentation by Anyla McDonald, author of “Raised by Sound: Black Life and the Ecological Imagination.” 
• A spoken-word poetry performance by Charity Joy Blackwell.

AFRO-Authorship

Beginning in January, the Stevens Gallery in the Reid Campus Center presented a compelling exhibition featuring the works of Faculty Fellow in Photography Robin J. North and Assistant Professor of Art Deshun Peoples, two artists whose work explores Black identity, migration and resilience. North’s photo series “A Way of Looking” interrogates the complexities of freedom and land ownership within historically oppressive systems, while Peoples’ ceramic works honor Black and queer resistance through themes of beauty, value and cultural affirmation.

Some of Us Are Brave

Whitman faculty members will host a panel discussion titled “Some of Us Are Brave: A Celebration of Blackness” on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 5 p.m. in Olin Auditorium. Dr. Giramata (Gender Studies) will facilitate a discussion with Dr. Ralph H. Craig III (Religion), Dr. Ayondela McDole (Indigeneity, Race and Ethnicity), Jessica Bertram Williams (Dance) and Robin North (Art). Participants will talk about what Black History Month means to them, its history, and how they practice and honor the tradition.

Black Speculative Fiction & Racial Justice

Penrose Library also highlighted Black History Month with a curated collection of books exploring Black speculative fiction and racial justice. These books challenge systemic inequities and imagine alternative futures, offering students and faculty an opportunity to engage with thought-provoking literature that expands conversations on racial justice, technological bias, and Black cultural expression.

More Opportunities to Learn

As the BSU’s President Mahdee Kirkpatrick says, “we believe that Black history is not just a month-long observance, but a vital part of the fabric of our community. It is essential that we continue to amplify the voices of Black individuals, not only in February but throughout the entire year.”

To continue learning as a community, the Division of Inclusive Excellence shared a few resources exploring the origins of observing Black history, its integration with American history and its contemporary impact:

• “About Black History Month,” curated by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. 
• “Historical Foundations of Race,” a collection curated by the National Museum for African American History and Culture. 
• “Historically Speaking: Black Joy,” a talk featuring author Tracey Lewis-Giggetts, professor and author of “Black Joy: Stories of Resistance, Resilience and Restoration.”

Stay tuned to Whitman’s calendar for more events celebrating the rich legacy, achievement and future of Black excellence.