Observing Black History Month

The following content first appeared on the news page while UMass Global operated under its former name of Brandman University.

IRVINE, Calif. (Feb. 10, 2021) - Brandman University leaders are encouraging members of the university community to celebrate Black History month virtually, as students, faculty and staff continue to find new ways to connect and thrive.
 
Black History Month is a reminder of the many ways African Americans in such fields as art, business, education, defense, public service, and science contribute to the betterment of our nation. Brandman Chancellor Gary Brahm invited faculty and staff to take time this month to look at the United States from a student’s eyes, and thus learn more about African Americans’ accomplishments.
 
“As faculty members and staff serving a diverse student body, we all have a vital interest in learning as much as we can about our nation's complete history,” Chancellor Gary Brahm said. “Besides bettering our abilities to understand the experiences and perspectives of our Black students and colleagues, doing so is also a means of enhancing our individual appreciation for the richness and breadth of American culture. It goes without saying that we can, and should, pursue this knowledge during any month of the year.”
 
Vice Chancellor of Equity & Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Jalin B. Johnson recommends websites where the curious may search for new knowledge.
 
“In an effort to collectively commemorate and engage in educational and celebratory virtual experiences, the Office of Equity & Inclusion has provided resources to help you begin your own journey and learn more about the American history that is observed each February, during Black History Month,” Johnson said.
 
Members of the Brandman community are encouraged to follow these links to learn more about American history and the contributions of African Americans to our nation:

• The Association for the Study of African American Life and History has scheduled several free events throughout the month for its 2021 Black History Month Virtual Festival.
• The Library of Congress archives documents related to official commemorations of Black history on its African American History Month page and also hosts an online repository related to its 2019 exhibit, “Rosa Parks in Her Own Words.”
• The NAACP published a list of “28 Ways to Celebrate Black History Month,” as well as advice on “What Brands Can Do for MLK Day and Black History Month.”
• The Smithsonian Institution plans to host Heritage and History Month events throughout February.
• The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, Smithsonian Institution, and other organizations have scheduled several online events for Black History Month. More information is on their African American History Month page. An immense collection of research resources related to African American arts and culture, civil rights, Black leaders, and additional subjects is available via the site’s Exhibits and Collections page.

Brandman University’s School of Extended Education has hosted several webinars over recent months to help professionals adopt more culturally-aware work habits. Recordings of past webinars, including the “Cultural Humility for Leaders” event with associate professor of sociology Dr. Lata Murti, are available to view online. A future webinar on a similar topic, “How to Become Culturally Ready,” is scheduled for May 12.
 
Another ongoing project for the university is the Office of Equity & Inclusion’s development of a Cultural Events and Recognition Initiative. Faculty and staff interested in learning more, or who would like to propose ways for the university to recognize Black History Month, may send an email to OEI@brandman.edu.

ABOUT BRANDMAN UNIVERSITY
Brandman University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. As part of the Chapman University System, Brandman blends a legacy of academic excellence with innovative programs and support services designed for students with busy schedules. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, credential and certificate programs designed to be relevant to more than 90 career paths. Brandman serves about 22,000 students, about 14,000 of whom are enrolled in academic credit programs, at 25 physical campuses in California and Washington, as well as online. Brandman offers fully-online courses for students anywhere in the United States and for military personnel serving abroad. For additional information, visit the university’s website.