Waynesburg University is celebrating Black History Month through a series of speakers and a cultural dinner for students. Featured speakers will give students, faculty and staff the opportunity to engage in conversation, hear from regional leaders and share ideas.
Dr. Cornelius Coleman, Assistant Provost for Undergraduate Learning Experiences and Head Football Coach, assisted in planning the events which will be hosted each Monday throughout the month of February.
"As we learn about Black History Month, we also learn about members of our campus community; their beliefs, ideologies, and what helped form them as individuals. It is important that we know one another, respect one another, and grow together as a community," said Dr. Coleman.
As we learn about Black History Month, we also learn about members of our campus community; their beliefs, ideologies, and what helped form them as individuals. It is important that we know one another, respect one another, and grow together as a community.
Dr. Coleman, who is a member of Waynesburg's Diversity & Belonging team, will serve as the first in a line-up of featured speakers throughout Black History Month. His session, "Overcoming Racial Barriers on College Campuses," will be held Monday, Feb. 6, at 5 p.m. To Dr. Coleman, giving the campus community an opportunity to engage in discussions about race, religion and culture is important.
"In today's society, individuals of all backgrounds are experiencing a time in which discussions about race, religion, and culture are at the forefront of their everyday conversations. However, many avoid these discussions because they fear that conversations about race and bias lead to feelings of anger, guilt, discomfort, and oftentimes disrespect," Dr. Coleman said.
"When you are a student within a campus community, it is hard for tough conversations to be ignored. But if platforms are provided and communication is accepted, that particular dialogue can be positive in a nurturing state."
David Gatling, President of Washington County NAACP, will serve as the second Black History Month speaker Feb. 13 at 5 p.m. He will share information about initiatives that he and his staff are creating to establish a sense of belonging within regional working communities.
Finally, Power Coach Paul Mulbach will present as a part of Waynesburg University's Purpose & Leadership Academy Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. His session, "Remembering My Purpose While Defeating the Odds" will focus on overcoming challenges to achieve success. Mr. Mulbach's background includes being a former Division I athlete, a professional athlete, a Division I coach and a motivational speaker for the National Football League.
In addition to hosting on-campus speakers, a cultural dinner will be hosted on campus Feb. 27 at 5 p.m. According to Dr. Coleman, this program will give students the opportunity to engage in conversation with faculty and staff, to share ideas and get to know each other in a broader way. The cultural dinner is available to students by invitation only.
Lastly, as a part of the campus-wide celebration of Black History Month, Waynesburg University's Eberly Library staff has created a display, where they will have featured books promoted throughout the month of February.
