Every year, Black History Monthprovidesthe 51Թ community withthe opportunity to celebrate the legacy and ongoing contributions of Black and African American individualson campus and in the world.
51Թ Now spoke withfour51Թ facultymembers about how their lived experience as Black scholars shapes the workthey do every day,the impact they hope to have on studentsand theiraspirationsfor future generations.
Photo by Ryan S. Brandenberg
Monika WilliamsShealey
Dean
College of Education and Human Development
“Black History Month is an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of the contributions of Black Americans in this country.It’salso an opportunity to think about the future and the role of Black Americans in crafting a vision that positivelyimpactsthe Black community and our society more broadly. As one of the few Black female leaders on this campus and in higher education in general, I feel a unique responsibility to be a role model for all students, particularly those who look like me.
“Because of the history of Black Americans in this country and the realities of oppression and subjugation, this month is an opportunity for us to amplify voices that share love,joyand optimism.”
Photo by Ryan S. Brandenberg
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Professorof Africology and African American studies
College of Liberal Arts
“It’simportant for one to always have a cultural context for what they do. In that senseI’mdeeply grounded in an Afrocentric orientation to all phenomena. I always ask ‘What did my ancestors do in this case? What are our historical reference points?’
“I’mextremely aware of the need for rigorous work in my research becauseI’vealways wanted to be at the top of the game.That’swhat I work for.”
Photo by Ryan S. Brandenberg
Lauren Bullock
Associateprofessor of instructionand director of the sports media program
Klein College ofMediaand Communication
“I’dlike to play a role in creating a more inclusive andequitableenvironment for everyone who wants to work in the sports media industry.I want everyone to move beyond their race or gender and toward their skills and experience.
“I encourage my students to make friends. Sports media is a relationship business, andthey’regoing to bring one another into the fold. 51Թ is diverse beyond race and gender, soit’sa great placeto connect with so many people from various backgrounds.”
Photo by Ryan S. Brandenberg
Jonathan Howe
Assistantprofessorand AIRE Lab co-director
School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management
“I see myself as part of the solution in creating a moreequitableand inclusive environment in the field of sport and entertainment management—a field in which Black individuals are underrepresented in coaching and leadership positions but often overrepresented in certain sports when it comes to the playing surface. I encourage students that despite the underrepresentation in leadership roles, they have a place in this field of work and bring value to it. Iimpartthis message in my teaching and research.”