CECI News
The Importance of Black History Month for Reginald Blockett
February 01, 2022
Dr. Reginald Blockett, assistant professor of Educational Leadership and Counseling within the College of Education and Community Innovations shares his thoughts during a recent interview with GVNext during Black History Month.
In your view, how does Black History Month build community
among Blacks and African Americans?
Pausing to celebrate the commitments and accomplishments of Black
Americans builds community by allowing us to be seen as contributors
to our society and our country. Just recently, the Minority Leader of
the United States Senate made a comment where he distinguished African
Americans from "Americans." These ways of thinking
perpetually marginalize Blackness as the "other."
Celebrations of Black history remind all Americans that Black folks
and communities have always been integral to the advancement of our
country and our world.
What does Black History Month mean to you as a member of the
GVSU community?
Black history at GVSU is about bringing more folks into the
conversations and celebrations of Black culture at the university. As
I recently shared with my students, Black folks and communities have
made history at GVSU since the onset of the institution. Three Black
students — Joan Burch, Annie Jacobs, and James Moore — were in the
first graduation at the university. Since then and currently, GVSU has
prioritized the unique needs of Black and other minoritized students,
especially in terms of degree completion and student engagement. GVSU
faculty and staff participate in ample learning and professional
development opportunities with aims of creating more inclusive
environments for all students. I was honored to be named the Burch,
Jacobs, & Moore Diversity Teaching Award in 2021, for my
contributions to diversity, equity and inclusion.
To read the full article and interviews with additional GVSU community members, please visit:
Black History Month: GVSU community members reflect on what it means to them and for all.
Photo credit by Kendra Stanley-Mills
Story originally posted
on GVNext. For more
information on this story, contact Peg West in University Communications -
(616) 331-2221.