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Post University Blog

Michael Wynn | Social Community Manager

Post University will commemorate the 197 anniversary of Black History Month this February with a series of events, speakers, and other activities recognizing the unique experiences of African Americans and other people of color, and the critical role those experiences play in society.  The focus of this year’s programming will be on community building through conversation, education, food, and personal expression.

The University’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advocacy Council has partnered with several departments across the University as well as organizations in the greater Waterbury area to connect our students with local community leaders around important topics, such as the disparities that exist between Black and white Americans.

On Tuesday February 7, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. in MacDermid Hall room 116, Campus Life will present “Wealth and Health Disparities in Black and White America,” a panel discussion around both the wealth and health gaps between Black and white Americans that have persisted for centuries.  The panel discussion is meant to both promote a dialogue between the panelists and students, faculty, and staff and highlight the variety of perspectives, research, and resources available for community members.

“The panel will be a space where people can have an important conversation about these topics in an environment that is casual, welcoming, and laid back,” Community Director Marcus Williams, who organized the panel, said.  “Having professionals from different personal and professional backgrounds be vulnerable and answering questions honestly and fully is important for student and staff to truly understand these topics.”

Panelists will include Paulina Lacossade, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, nurse practitioner at Yale New Haven Hospital, Derrell Wilson, who is currently serving as the first African American Democratic Representative for Connecticut’s 46th district and is a past president of the NAACPs Connecticut State Conference Youth and College Division, Eric Simms, associate director of the student center at Southern Connecticut State University, as well as current Post associate James Whitley, JD, dean of the John P. Burke School of Public Service and Education.  A live stream of the panel will also be available.

This year, the University is a Patron Sponsor for the 2023 Association for the Study of African American Life and History Black History Month Virtual Festival.  This year’s festival will celebrate the Association for the Study of African American Life and History’s theme “Black Resistance.”  The festival will feature innovative virtual programs that will address “Black Resistance” in the arts, the Black Press, and the Black Church.

Other events to commemorate Black History Month at Post include:

  • A virtual trivia contest where associates, alumni, and students will compete for prizes while learning about Black History in America.
  • “Feed Your Soul”, co-sponsored by Chartwells and Campus Life, where participants will learn the history, value, and importance of food in communities while enjoying traditional cultural food with a modern twist.
  • A Black History Month coffee house featuring poetry and R & B performed by members of the University community.
  • The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advocacy Council will host an open discussion exploring how African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression in all forms.
  • “Connections: A Black History Month Luncheon,” where leaders of Waterbury’s BIPOC community will be invited to meet with Post’s Leadership Team, Student Government Association, and Black Student Union.

Please visit the University’s United in Action page for all the events we have planned and information on how to participate.