Director’s Corner: Happy Black History Month!

Hello CASE Scholars, supporters and family members,

As we begin the month of February, it marks what is commonly known as Black History Month – although I believe every month is Black History Month!

I wanted to bring you greetings and to recognize this time where we annually celebrate and commemorate the struggles, stories, accomplishments and achievements of African Americans. This is a time for honoring the central of Blacks (African Americans) in U.S. History and throughout the diaspora.

Through its beginnings as “Negro History Week” this celebration was started by Carter G. Woodson, the “Father of Black History” as an opportunity to “disrupt the official narrative” and to teach and learn about the contributions of African Americans. I encourage you to spark conversation with your friends, family, fellow students and acquaintances to share uplifting stories and those of social justice during these most difficult times.

According to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, the National Theme of the 2022 Black History Month celebration is “Black Health and Wellness”. This is a great opportunity to share about Black identities, Black historical accounts, Black perseverance and resistance and Black excellence, as well as ways to maximize resources that contribute to our individual and collective physical and mental health.

Black History is American History, and it is more relevant now more than ever!

For a complete and updated list of Black History Month activities on campus, please check out MU’s Black History Month Calendar here!

Also, stay tuned for new episodes of our podcasts: “On the CASE” and “CASE Underground“. This month our Marketing interns will highlight Black organizations on MU’s campus.

As always, if you need any additional information or assistance, please let us know!

Onward!

#WeAreCASE

E. Andre Thorn, Ph.D
Director, Center for Academic Success & Excellence (CASE)
“Serving Students Since 1995”
110 Student Success Center, 909 Lowry Mall
Columbia, MO  65211
P: 573-882-9208
F: 573-884-4353
www.case.missouri.edu

Indigenous Peoples and Lands Acknowledgement:
I would like to acknowledge that I work in what is colonially known as “Missouri,” and that these were the homelands of the tribal nations of the Nutachi (Missouria), Jiwere (Otoe), Wahzhazhe (Osage), Ogáxpa (Quapaw), Chikasha (Chickasaw), Illini, and Báxoǰe (Ioway), among others.