In 1970 the first college campus in the U.S. celebrated Black History Month and just six years later schools all across the country joined the effort. Now, more than 40 years after its official establishment the University of Wyoming is taking part in this month-long celebration in a unique way.
“Days of Dialogue” is a series of events hosted on campus the second week of every February with numerous opportunities to initiate conversation about race in America. Each year the events are meant to remind people of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the continual journey towards racial equality.
“UW community members honor and recognize the continuing impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his life through this weeklong celebration,” said Erin Olsen Pueblitz, event co-chair and Wyoming Union associate director, in a release. “Activities and dialogue throughout the week serve as a renewal of UW’s commitment to making the campus and Wyoming an inclusive and empowering space for people from all backgrounds, experiences, orientations and abilities.”
The theme each year varies to bring to light distinct struggles and experiences.
“This year’s theme, ‘Time’s Up,’ centers on the often-forgotten experiences and contributions of black women from the civil rights movement to the present,” said Natawsha Mitchell, fellow co-chair and UW Multicultural Affairs senior project coordinator. “Through community-based programming, with an emphasis on the arts, this year’s MLK DOD uplifts creativity and healing as key components in the global struggle toward racial justice.”
Days of Dialogue events are happening through the end of this week with movies, panelists and dinnertime discussions open to students and community members.
Events this week started off with a memorial march and rally Monday as well as diversity awards given to UW students. Today a book discussion will be held in Coe Library and a group of panelists will be speaking this evening about healing trauma through various means. A “Dialogue Dinner” will be held Wednesday evening in the Washakie Dining center, encouraging students to come together and discuss issues of diversity and inclusion.
The keynote speaker for this year, Kai Davis, will perform Thursday evening. Davis is a decorated poet and was the artistic director of the Babel Poetry Collective from 2012 until 2016.
The week wraps up with a Black History Conference at UW College of Law, as part of the Black History month events around campus, and a Diversity Ball Saturday night in the Union.
While Days of Dialogue may end after this week, Black History month events are scheduled throughout the next few weeks sponsored by UW’s African American and Diaspora Studies and the Black Student Alliance.
For a full schedule of activities for this week visit uwyo.edu/uw/news/2019/01/.
