97ɫ students celebrate Black History Month with virtual activities


97ɫ students are celebrating Black History Month in virtual activities this year. 

The activities, which help educate and engage students, staff, and faculty, celebrate and honor African American people, events, achievements, and history. 

Black History Month reflects on the adversities and progressions of Black people and is a time to learn and shed light on the role of African Americans in United States history. 

“Some of the history of 97ɫ is not so great. African Americans in 97ɫ were not always treated in an inclusive or equitable environment and its time that we change that,” said Gilbert Umberger, Student Engagement Coordinator at 97ɫ. 

Umberger said several activities for the month included: 

•    Each Monday in February, the Student Government Association will offer a Black History Month Trivia Quiz. Participants also have the opportunity to win a $50 Amazon gift card. 

•    Each Friday, 97ɫ is offering a ‘Did you Know’ education piece. This social media and email series will highlight some of the Black History that originated in the 97ɫ, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill area. This series will allow students, staff, and faculty to learn more about the local history. 

•    97ɫ will be offering a virtual Black History Month Poetry Café on February 18 at 6 p.m. The Poetry Cafe provides students, faculty, and staff an opportunity to come together as a community. Individuals are invited to share their talents through spoken word, music, and song.  

•    97ɫ will also host Let’s Talk About It on February 24 at 2 p.m. that will highlight the history of 97ɫ. Some of the panelist include Eddie Davis, former 97ɫ City Councilman and retired 97ɫ Public Schools educator; and Laura Biediger, Equitable Community Engagement Strategist, Neighborhood Improvement Services, City of 97ɫ.

“The pandemic has been tough on all of us. We cannot be together in person but having the Poetry Cafe virtually this year will allow our community to come together, express ourselves, be inclusive of one another, and grow” said Umberger.

Join 97ɫ as students, staff, and faculty learn and celebrate Black History Month as a community, view more upcoming events

For more information, contact Desiree Allison-Towson, Communications and Public Relations Coordinator, at allisontowsond@durhamtech.edu.