By Elijah Penn, Copyeditor
“I strongly believe in all the heritage months. From my research and lived experience, I’ve seen too many brilliant achievements by marginalized populations discounted, swept into obscurity, and outright misappropriated,” said Dr. Karen Hannel, chair of the department and Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies.
Saint Leo University’s Black History Month event was a series of six 15-minute presentations by faculty members, celebrating the achievements and contributions of African Americans. It was held in the Student Community Center (SCC) Boardrooms on Feb. 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Hannel has helped to organize the Black History Month event since 2008 and remembers the university celebrating the month in some way in the 24 years she’s been with Saint Leo.
“I believe we as a community are made stronger by learning our full history,” Hannel remarked. “It is my deep honor and privilege to help organize the Black History Month celebration.”
Senior English major, Brielle Terry, attended the event with the English honor society Sigma Tau Delta.
“Everyone covered a different topic, but you could tell how passionate and personal some of them felt. It was also a great way to learn about Black history that I never even heard of until those presentations,” said Terry. “Black History Month is important to remember the struggles and the triumphs of Black people.”
Dr. Valarie Kasper, an Associate Professor of English, kicked off the presentations by discussing the first African American newspaper. She took a more informal approach, inviting questions from the audience throughout her speech.
Following Kasper, Dr. Nieta Scott-Dunmore presented “Excellence Rooted in Community: A Journey of Growth, Integrity, and Stewardship.”
Dr. Daniel DuBois told a more personal history in his talk, “Civil War Narratives,” whereas Dr. Marco Rimanelli gave an in-depth historical presentation on “Buffalo Soldiers,” complete with World War I helmets from different countries that fought in the war, and Dr. Heather Parker discussed “Black Power.”
The lectures concluded with Dr. Marc Pugliese talking on “Black Liberation Theology,” before the audience was dismissed to explore the tables of several organizations and posters about well-known figures in Black history.
For Dr. Marc Pugliese, Associate Dean of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services, and Professor of Theology, this event was an extension of Saint Leo’s mission of education.
“It’s part of our educational mission to the community and the university. There’s a lot of things that come out in these events, like the displays and the presentations that people might not get in the classroom or might not otherwise hear,” said Pugliese.
“The students came in waves, and that corresponded to the timing of the classes … There were times we had 70 or 80 people in the room, and I thought that was absolutely fabulous,” said Pugliese.
The event was also one of hope and empowerment.
“I do think that events like this are important to host. It shows students that they can be leaders and express who they are because of the history that came before them,” Terry said, “especially for Black students who don’t feel like they have a voice. It also allows others to educate themselves and appreciate the history of Black people.”
“I deeply want the people who come to this event to feel the warmth, love, and simple wholesome happiness of coming together to celebrate the totality of the American experience,” Hannel added.
Indeed, this event showed Saint Leo’s commitment to diverse perspectives and their commitment to giving a voice to people of all groups, especially those who were denied that voice throughout history.
“Every year, several students seek me out to say how much the event meant to them. Some say they learned something new. Some say they feel the joy in the room, and it makes them feel more a part of the Saint Leo community,” remarked Hannel.
