Gardner-Webb Hosts Events to Celebrate Black History Month

Programs Bring Awareness, Give Students a Voice, and Recognize Contributions of Alumni 

In celebration of Black History Month, Gardner-Webb University and the Office of Diversity and Intercultural Initiatives are sponsoring several programs. These programs will bring awareness to a variety of issues affecting Black and Brown Americans and also celebrate their history and contributions to the country.

“These are important topics that should be discussed amongst the Black/Brown population,” noted JeNai Davis, director of the Office of Diversity and Intercultural Initiatives. “In addition, our student-athletes have been extremely vocal and passionate about issues outside of athletics that were important to them, such as the #TogetherAsOne March. I felt it was important to keep that conversation going, especially since they are all starting up their seasons.”

These events include:

Feb. 8-26 – The Library gallery will feature a Black History Month display.

Feb. 9, noon to 2 p.m. – Mental Matters, Tucker Student Center Lobby. Come answer trivia questions centered around mental health stigmas within the Black and Brown Community.

Feb. 10, 7 p.m. – Diversity in the Workplace Panel, Zoom. (Co-sponsored by The Center for Personal and Professional Development). This conversation will focus on diversity issues common in today’s employment world as well as strategies professionals can use to promote diversity and develop it as a secret weapon for success in any organization. For more information on this event, email [email protected]

Feb . 15-28 – Virtual Bone Marrow Drive. (Co-sponsored by the Office of Community Engagement.) Sign up to be a donor for bone marrow transplants for those in need. Based on the current donor registry, only 4 percent of registered donors are Black Americans. Therefore, the odds of finding a match for Black Americans is 23 percent, versus 77 percent for Caucasians. Click here to register.

Feb. 17, 8 p.m. – Open Mic Night, Tucker Student Center Back Patio. Listen to the Gospel Choir perform, enjoy hot cocoa by the fire and hear students’ spoken word pieces.

TBA – From Our Perspective, Zoom. Listen as student-athletes share their experiences as being Black/Brown individuals and the experiences they have gone through.

For information about any event, email [email protected].

Alumni Profiles

Additionally, throughout the month, alumni will be featured in profile stories published in Gardner-Webb’s Newscenter and through takeovers of GWU alumni’s Instagram account. These alumni are making a difference in their communities:

Feb. 2—Shamanda Burston, counselor, author and film producer.

Feb. 9—Troya Pope, hip-hop artist

Feb. 16—Harrison Martin, film critic and author

Feb. 23—Tia Howell, personal trainer, owner of Lift with Tia

Located in the North Carolina foothills, Gardner-Webb University is a private, Christian, liberal arts university. Gardner-Webb emphasizes a strong student-centered experience and rigorous academics to prepare students to become effective leaders within the global community. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.