The University of Louisiana Monroe Cultural Diversity Council and the Office of International Student Programs and Cultural Affairs present “A Black History Program” at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 24, at Bayou Pointe Event Center.
The program will feature keynote speaker, Dr. Stephen Peters. Peters has spent 37+ years in the education realm as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, director of secondary education, and superintendent. Most of his experiences have been in schools with significant, quick growth, resulting in both national and state blue-ribbon distinction.
Dr. Peters is the past President of the Board of Directors of the International Literacy Association and President of The Peters Group, a national education consulting company. Dr. Peters is also a best-selling author of several books including “Choosing to Believe: Creating a Framework for School Success,” “Do You Know Enough About Me To Teach Me,” and “Inspired to Learn: Why We Must Give Children Hope.”
“We are excited to experience the passion and enthusiasm that Dr. Peters conveys when he speaks of cultivating diversity and cultural awareness in our educational systems and practices,” said Gina White, Director of International Student Programs and Cultural Coordinator in ULM’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
This year’s program will also highlight the talent of ULM students and youth within the community through vocal, instrumental and dance performances.
Randall Hughes, the Vice President of ULM’s Cultural Diversity Council, said the BHM program showcases black students, young and old, who can achieve as vastly as those from the past.
“The BHM program gives people of African descent at ULM the feeling of ‘belongingness,’” Hughes said. “For ULM to put an emphasis on Black History Month not only reaches the students on campus but also causes a chain reaction to the high schools around Monroe and West Monroe.”
This year’s BHM theme is “Black Resistance” to remember the historic and ongoing oppression African Americans face. The theme embraces achievements, successes, and progress Black people have made through resistance. According to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, “this is a call to everyone… to study the history of Black Americans’ responses to establish safe spaces, where Black life can be sustained, fortified and respected.”