As February approaches, the Waynesburg campus community is invited to participate in a slew of events, including panel discussions, cultural dinners, lectures, and more.

With efforts spearheaded by Dr. Cornelius Coleman, assistant provost for undergraduate learning experiences and head football coach. The monthlong celebration will highlight Black history, culture, and perseverance.

“I feel as though moving forward on our college campus, we must make sure that people are aware of different diversity initiatives and be able to be in a space where we can operate without cultural biases,” Coleman said.

The monthlong celebration will begin with a leadership presentation will be hosted by Dr. Coleman on Feb. 6 at 5 p.m. in the Stewart Science Center in room 201.

The discussion will be entitled “Overcoming Racial Barriers on College Campuses.” With his new duties as assistant provost, Coleman is responsible for taking the lead in the university’s Diversity and Belonging Initiative.

The Eberly Library on campus will present a month-long library display curated to highlight the Black experience. According to Jill Peth, instructional services librarian, the display will be up on Feb. 2.

“Celebrating Black History Month at a predominantly white institution is crucial,” said graduate student Caleb Stephens. “It exposes students who formulate ideas of the (Black) culture and allows them to get away from the stigmas, of ‘all Black people.’”

Additional featured keynote speakers include Paul Mulbah, an ex-defensive back for Duquesne University, now an empowerment coach, author, and speaker who works with different corporations including the National Football League and NCAA. Mulbah’s work encourages students to be the best version of themselves.

Mulbah will present a discussion of his own experiences entitled, “Remembering My Purpose while Defeating the Odds,” on Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. in Alumni Hall. Mulbah will discuss topics including overcoming obstacles and maintaining a focus on leadership. The talk will also be held in conjunction with the University’s new Purpose and Leadership Academy. 

The physical celebrations of Black History Month will conclude on Feb. 27. A Cultural Dinner will be held in the Stover Center. The dinner will consist of a pot-luck style of cultural food arrangements while welcoming open discussion from minority-identifying members on campus.

Without an active Black Student Union chapter on campus, students have not been involved in the planning of Black History Month. Coleman hopes the cultural dinner enables a safe space for minority students of various cultures, opening the notion of a potential cultural club at the university.

“It was because of the Black Student Union and other initiatives (at Waynesburg) that made me feel comfortable about who I was,” Coleman added.

Students can stay updated with events throughout the month through the Student Activities Board’s announcements on email and social media.