In the last edition of this newsletter, I shared five resolutions for 2024 to guide the course of our campus community this year. Among them was a resolve to “have the courage for reflection and understanding,” an idea particularly relevant as we celebrate Black History Month throughout the month of February.
Black History Month was born out of the work of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, an Appalachian-born, Harvard-educated historian known as the “father of African American history.” At the turn of the last century, Dr. Woodson fought to unearth and share the stories of the generations of Black Americans whose voices and views were suppressed and erased for nearly four hundred years. Given our nation’s history of enslavement, segregation, and oppression, many of these stories are difficult to hear and accept. In fact, since the first iteration of Black History Month (known as Negro History Week when Dr. Woodson initiated it) began in 1926, the need for the observance has been challenged and questioned.
To facilitate national unity and preserve a sense of civic pride, it may feel easier to avoid the discomfort associated with examining the differing values, perspectives, and realities of what we collectively call “the American Experience.” Yet, doing so would not only be an injustice to the foundational principles of our nation but also an insult to the beauty, complexities, and resilience of our shared humanity. As another preeminent scholar of the 20th century, Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois, wrote, “Nations reel and stagger on their way; they make hideous mistakes; they commit frightful wrongs; they do great and beautiful things. And shall we not best guide humanity by telling the truth about all this, so far as the truth is ascertainable?”
Our virtue, as a society, is measured not by a lack of mistakes but by our ability to learn from them. We do not grow by ignoring our differences but by appreciating the unique strengths and viewpoints forged by our varying experiences. The field of Black history is not distinct from American history. Rather, it represents a lens through which we can further examine and understand our shared journey. Black History Month offers an opportunity for our entire community to celebrate our multifaceted history and honor the contributions of members of our society who may have been ignored in the past. I encourage each of you to take advantage of the programming available throughout the month and to seek inspiration and understanding through the diverse stories of Black Americans. Below, I have shared links to content highlighting the achievements and experiences of African American members of the ETSU community. If you are interested in studying Black history, I would encourage you to explore ETSU’s Black American Studies Program.
Godspeed, and go Bucs!
Celebrating George Nichols: A Pioneering Force at ETSU: In this in-depth podcast, delve into the life and legacy of George Nichols, a trailblazer who left an indelible mark on ETSU’s history. His journey and achievements are not just a part of university history but also a beacon of change and resilience. And take a look at a new project underway to commemorate Nichols and the other four students who integrated East Tennessee State College.
Dr. Brenda White Wright: From Civil Rights Marches to ETSU Leadership: Through this captivating video, explore the life of Dr. Brenda White Wright, a prominent figure who actively participated in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. Today, she continues to play a vital role at ETSU, inspiring a new generation.
Juneteenth: Reflecting on a Pivotal Moment in Black History: Through a thought-provoking video piece, ETSU staff share their reflections on Juneteenth, the historic day that marked the end of slavery in the United States. This feature offers a profound insight into the significance of this holiday in Black history and its relevance today.
Highlighting Hank Thomas: One of the original Freedom Riders, Hank Thomas rode buses throughout the South to stand against racial segregation. Learn from Thomas, now 82, in this engaging podcast.
Soaring with the Eagles: ETSU alumna Autumn Lockwood made history last year as the first Black woman to coach in a Super Bowl. Her inspiring story highlights how Bucs Go Beyond in pursuit of excellence.
ETSU Elevates Grants Study Black Mental Health Care Access: This story from WJHL highlights Sarah Mohammed, an East Tennessee State University sophomore majoring in psychology, who won the ETSU Elevates pitch competition. Sarah’s research focuses on improving access and quality of mental health care for Black Tennesseans.
Crafting Blackness: This past fall, ETSU hosted the Crafting Blackness panel and exhibition, the first of a series that will eventually be published as a book of essays about African American Craft History in Tennessee since 1920. This video provides a virtual tour of the first exhibition, “Black Bodies Making Form,” which was curated by ETSU’s Karlota Contreras-Koterbay and Karen LeBlanc Sullivan.
