Published on February 1, 2024 by Kameron Brown  
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February is Black History Month and Samford University plans to mark the occasion with several events for students, faculty and community members to enjoy. The Office of Student Success and Diversity (OSSD) is partnering with several departments across campus to provide important and exciting experiences that celebrate and acknowledge Black history. 

Since 1976, every United States president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Its origins date back to 1915 when Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson and minister Jesse E. Moorland founded today’s Association for the Study of African American Life and History. The organization is dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by Black Americans and other peoples of African descent.

“As an academic institution devoted to continual learning, the Office of Student Success and Diversity is excited to provide opportunities to learn, grow and celebrate Black history throughout the month of February. We hope everyone in our campus community can find a way to participate in these events that foster Christ-centered love, awareness and fellowship,” said Denise Gregory, associate provost for student success and diversity and inclusion.

For more information on how you can take part in Black History Month at Samford, follow @samforddiverse on Instagram and Facebook.

Events

Office of Student Success and Diversity Meet-and-Greet

Feb. 12, 3:30– 5 p.m.
Dwight Beeson Hall 326

Meet De’Janae Tookes, the new assistant director of multicultural initiatives and events in the Office of Student Success and Diversity. In her position, Tookes is responsible for a number of important initiatives that advance Samford’s mission through the office, as well as working alongside students to create a welcoming and supportive campus community.

30th Annual Thurgood Marshall Symposium

Feb. 13, 5 p.m.
Cooney Hall 400, Regions Community Resource Room

The 30th Annual Thurgood Marshall Symposium will focus on voting rights issues in Alabama through the discussion of the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling regarding Alabama's congressional district map.

Attorney Abha Khanna, a partner in Elias Law Group’s Litigation practice, successfully argued the recent Milligan's case, resulting in a historic U.S. Supreme Court ruling that Alabama's congressional district map violated the VRA by diluting the votes of Black residents.

The event is sponsored by Cumberland School of Law’s Black Law Students Association in partnership with the Office of Student Success and Diversity.

One hour of continuing legal education (CLE) credit is offered for Alabama attorneys.

Convocation credit is available for Samford University students.

The Secret to Becoming Mentally Strong, with Jah'zmin Duncan, Samford counselor

Feb. 15, 10 a.m.
Cooney Hall 400, Regions Community Resource Room

University counselor Jah’zmin Duncan, will be speaking on behalf of Samford’s Counseling and Wellness Office to provide tips and resources on mental health and wellness.

Convocation credit is available for Samford University students.

Lunch and Learn with Samford’s Black Nurses Association

Feb. 19, 11:30 a.m.
Dwight Beeson Hall 410, Faculty Success Center

Jennifer Coleman, professor in Samford’s Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing, will serve as the speaker for this event. Registration is required.

Register

“Face to Face with Race”

Feb. 19, 5 p.m.
Cooney Field House, 3rd Floor

“Face to Face with Race” is hosted by the Office of Student Success and Diversity in partnership with Student Life and Counseling and Wellness.

Join us for dinner and a round table discussion about race and cultural perspective, with Chef Raquel Ervin

Convocation credit and Organization Awards Points are available for Samford University students.

Learn More

Samford Basketball Game featuring National Pan-Hellenic Council

Feb. 24, 2 p.m.
Pete Hanna Center

Get Tickets

Samford Gospel Choir Concert

Feb. 29, 10 a.m.
University Center, Harry’s Coffeehouse

Convo credit is available.

Black History Month Gala

Feb. 29, 8 p.m.
Cooney Hall 400, Regions Community Resource Room

Register

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.