Crafton Hills College celebrates Black Americans’ contribution to nation’s history

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Crafton Hills College celebrated Black History Month with a series of February events highlighting contributions by Black Americans.

The College’s Black History Committee planned each activity around the theme “Black Americans in the Arts,” with each offering an opportunity for Roadrunners to learn about the impact figures like musician Bob Marley and scientist Lisa Gelobter had and are continuing to have in the fields of science, arts, politics, and social justice.

“We wanted all to embrace the culture by gathering in community storytelling, creating art, and understanding the difference between diversity and anti-racist work,” explained Willie Blackmon, dean of student services and student development at Crafton.

Activities began Feb. 1 with an opening ceremony featuring remarks, live music, and giveaways. Events that followed included a Feb. 7 presentation on theater, music, and literature; a trip to see the film “Bob Marley: One Love” at Harkins Theatre in the Redlands Mountain Grove shopping center on Feb. 15; and “Food for the Soul”— a themed closing and reflection ceremony on Feb. 29.

Blackmon called the month-long celebration a success, adding, “It was a fun-filled month with social components infused with an educational lens.”