The Student Affairs Diversity Committee has been sharing resources with learning and celebrating Black History Month. Every day a virtual event is posted inside the announcements. The theme — “The Spiral of Social Justice: Re-emergence of ‘The Dream’” ­— was chosen to expand on the idea of social justice as being a journey.

“As an institution of higher education I think it is imperative that we prepare our students to be good global students, that means being able to provide brave forums that we can have hard and thoughtful conversations, said Sheleta Camarda-Webb, director of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

One of the weekly events mentioned was with Criminal justice associate professor Dr. Mathilda Spencer. It was  on Feb. 4 titled “Policing in Dichotomous Worlds’: Black Law Enforcers/Black Lives Matter,” a panel discussion among members of NOBLE, the Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives.

“Having the discussion about being a black law enforcement in a world that is black lives matter and navigating these two worlds,” said Webb.

Like Webb the students of Cal U have also been getting involved this semester. The Black Student Union (BSU) has collaborated with other organizations for a fun “Are you Down With the Brown” virtual trivia game. Organizations such as African Student Association (ASA), Women United, and Sigma Kappa sorority are collaborating on this event. This Kahoot game will be hosted via Zoom in celebration of Black history month. 

“We are just trying our best to stay active and keep the engagement up, which is harder because not everyone likes zoom calls,” said Savannah Dorsey, BSU president. 

Given the pandemic, Dorsey advised students to stay active on social media. Like the Kahoot game, it can keep you updated on these organizations’ events. You can expect questions such as: Who was the first African American to decline their seat on a bus?  Along with the game, there will be three winners, so each of the organizations and Sigma Kappa will be giving away prizes. This Kahoot game will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Feb.24 with other organizations on campus.

“We will be posting the meeting ID and everyone will be able to join the Zoom call, we will be able to share the screen so everyone can answer the questions as they go,” said Dorsey.