Whitman Today
 

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Celebrating Black History Month in February

Feature by: Tebraie Banda-Johns, Director of the Intercultural Center

Red, orange and green bars and triangles decorate a beige background with the text “Black History Month” in the center.

As February unfolds, we enter a month of reflection, remembrance and celebration—Black History Month. We honor the resilience, creativity and contributions of Black Americans throughout history. Beyond a mere commemoration, Black History Month invites us to center the experiences of Black individuals, shedding light on the narratives that have often been overlooked or marginalized in the broader tapestry of American history and culture.

The 2024 theme for Black History Month is “African Americans and the Arts.” Black Americans have left an immense impact on the arts, music, literature, and every facet of cultural expression. From the jazz rhythms that echo through the streets of New Orleans, to the poetic verses that spring from the Harlem Renaissance and the contemporary influence of Black artists in shaping popular culture—these are testaments to the profound impact of Black creativity.

To center the experiences of Black Americans is to confront the uncomfortable truths of the past while recognizing the resilience that has propelled the community forward. It is an acknowledgment of the systemic challenges faced and an affirmation of the triumphs achieved despite those barriers. Black History Month provides an opportunity not only to celebrate but also to educate and engage in meaningful conversations about the complexities of our shared history.

Join the Intercultural Center this month as we celebrate the vibrancy of Black Americans throughout history. Follow our Instagram (@interculturalcenter_whitman) to stay up to date on the different events we have this month.

Staff Employment Opportunities

Whitman College is currently hiring for the following staff positions:

  • Accounting Specialist (Accounting & Business Services)
  • Alcohol and Drug Counselor (Counseling Center)
  • Assistant Custodial Supervisor (Facilities Services)
  • Assistant Director of Alumni Relations (Alumni Relations)
  • Budget Manager (Accounting & Business Services)
  • Collection Strategist Librarian, Head of Collection Strategies (Library)
  • Director of Residence Life and Housing (Student Affairs)
  • Landscape Technician - Athletic Field (Grounds)
  • Mental Health Counselor (Counseling Center)
  • On Call Security Officer (Security)
  • Rental Property Maintenance Coordinator (Facilities Services)
  • Security Officer (Security)
  • Senior Director of Identity and Belonging (Diversity and Inclusion)

Announcements

Dialogue & Dignity Speaker Delayed

Due to weather-related travel delays, the Dialogue & Dignity events this week will be adjusted as follows. Today’s luncheon with Mira Sucharov is canceled and today’s open office hours are adjusted to 3:15–5 p.m. in Memorial Building, room 326. The rest of the schedule remains unchanged.

 

Strategic Planning Feedback Session Tomorrow

All members of the Whitman community are invited to attend one of three upcoming strategic planning feedback sessions for the “Connecting Whitman, Walla Walla, and the World” strategic priority. The first session will take place tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. in the Lizzie Murr Conference Room at Cleveland Commons. Lunch will be provided for the first 15 people to arrive.

 

Suicide Prevention Training for Students on Friday

The QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) model has been proven to decrease suicide risk in communities like ours. Counseling Center staff will provide a training session for students on Friday, Feb. 2 from 1–3 p.m. in Maxey 104 (RSVP). Participants will be certified as a QPR Gatekeeper, valid for one year. (Flyer attached.)

Photo Finish

Snow-dusted trees and a blanket of snow on the ground, with a gray sky in the background.

Photo (Haley Forrester ’17): Whitman's Outdoor Program is collaborating with LGBTQIA+ Student Services for a special day of snowshoeing, community building and s’mores by the fire on Sunday, Feb. 11. All experience levels are welcome. Equipment will be provided. For more information or to sign up, visit Compass. All students are eligible for a free trip through the Bob Carson Outdoor Fund.

Happening Today

 

9–10 a.m.

Open Office Hours: Staff Advisory Council

Cleveland Commons, Espresso Café

Noon

Workshop: Navigating Racial Battle Fatigue

Reid Campus Center, Room 207

12:10–12:50 p.m.

Movement That Matters: Stretch & Strength

Sherwood Athletic Center

3–5 p.m.

Open Office Hours: Off-Campus Studies

Memorial Building, Room 205

3:15–5 p.m.

Open Office Hours: Mira Sucharov

Memorial Building, Room 205

6 p.m.

Panel: Human Trafficking Awareness & Prevention

Maxey Auditorium

7 p.m.

Dialogue & Dignity Series: Mira Sucharov

Olin Auditorium

8–10 p.m.

Open Kayak

Harvey Pool

Whitman Events Calendar

Would you like to share an event with campus? Submit the information to the Events Calendar.

“Whitman Today” is produced by the Office of Communications and is emailed Monday through Friday to Whitman College staff, faculty and students.

All submissions are welcome! If you have accomplishments to celebrate, an event to publicize or other content to share with the Whitman community, email whitmantoday@whitman.edu. Submissions of 125 words or less are due by noon for the following day’s newsletter. Submissions may be edited and/or held for a later date according to space and editorial needs. Your submission also authorizes use on Whitman's social media unless otherwise specified.

Previous issues of Whitman Today are archived on our website.

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