COURTESY PHOTO
In observance of Black History Month, Plymouth State University is hosting a guest speaker in the HUB Hage room on February 27th. This event will take place at 7 P.M. featuring Keynote speaker, Dr. Aria Halliday.
Throughout Black History Month there have been many events organized by Dr. Mary Beth Ray and Prof. Kristin Stelmok of the Women's Studies Council, from crocheting to tackling major social issues. These are all meant to bring about awareness of past influential women of color and to inspire the next generation of influential women of color. “We can honor and celebrate the work and accomplishments of women of the past, while also we can support the women of the future to accomplish just as great things. So, we can continue to fight. Women still only make 77% of what men make, and if you are a woman of color that drops even more,” she said.
According to Dr. Ray, Dr. Halliday is a well-respected academic in her field, saying, “She is a prolific researcher, and presents her work regularly in the public sphere. One of Dr. Halliday's articles is ‘envisioning black girls futures’ that talks about Nicki Minaj and other relevant articles to today.”
Dr. Ray has expressed the importance of these events saying, “There are so few events on campus devoted to marginalized groups on campus, particularly people of color. Solidarity is important. This is important because we wanted to give space to black history because diversity can be a struggle here in New Hampshire.”
In a press release, Dr. Ray said, “Crochet workshops occur every Friday afternoon on campus throughout the month of February. These workshops are free and open to all skill levels. The culminating event is Wednesday, February 27th at 7:00 pm in the Hartman Union Building at Plymouth State University. Please join us while we strengthen our community bonds, honor Black History Month and celebrate those who have fought for our rights, as well as those who continue to fight. Throughout history, women have had to work together and depend on each other to effect meaningful change and these crocheted banners will be both a metaphor and an example of what we can achieve when we unite and work toward common goals.”
With all of these events, the campus is encouraged to get involved and show support for all the events that are happening throughout the month of February.