During February’s Black History Month, the Saint Anselm community celebrated with several exciting and interactive events beginning on February 2 and concluding on the 26. Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, is an annual observance during the month of February to honor groundbreaking African American events and individuals.
Director of the Intercultural Center Wayne Currie noted, “It’s a reminder that community isn’t something we wait for or demand—it’s something we practice. In how we listen. How we show up when it’s inconvenient. How we choose curiosity over judgment, repair over pride, care over indifference. It is something that we must practice every day if we hope to achieve unity.”
Events throughout the month varied, some focusing on students and the campus environment as well as brought in local area community members for deeper conversations.
The month-long celebration kicked off with the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Dinner on Jan. 27 where Bettie Mae Fikes was the keynote speaker. This year The College’s retiring president, Dr. Joseph A. Favazza and his wife, Dr. Paddy Favazza were recognized with a Social Justice Award. Student Paige Potts ’27 and Biology Professor Vicky DiBona, Ph.D. received the student and faculty awards. Read the full news story about the annual dinner >
Below are some additional highlights from the month’s celebration. The theme, “The Beloved Community Begins With Us” symbolized a sense of belonging and advocacy. To learn more about the Black History Month events, visit the Intercultural Center website here.
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Meet the Artist: Jozimar Matimano
On Feb. 2, there was a Meet-the-Artist event hosted by the Intercultural Center in the Jean Student Center giving the College community a chance to meet New Hampshire’s 2024 Artist of the Year, Jozimar Matimano. Jozimar is a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo who centers his art around growing up as a Black refugee in a predominantly white state. Students, faculty, and staff also enjoyed Jozimar’s exhibit which was on display in the student center until Feb. 6.
Cultural Lunch Series
Through the cultural lunch series on Thurs., Feb. 12, in Davison Hall participants learned about and then enjoyed African American food, specially designed and prepared by Dining Services. The dishes offered honored rich traditions, bold flavors, and cultural heritage while the menu board reflected a variety of authentic and culturally significant African American culinary traditions. A few of the dishes that were featured included chicken and sausage jambalaya and banana pudding cups. Students and faculty were invited to try each dish while also learning the history that came with them.
The Black Church: This is Our Story, This is Our Song
On Tues., Feb. 17, in the McCready Event Space a panel was held to discuss the 400-year-old story of the Black Church in America as well as the changing nature of worship spaces, the men and women who shepherd them from the pulpit, the choir loft and church pews. The Black Church has remained a source of spiritual grounding, social justice leadership, artistic expression, and community resilience. This event offered space for reflection, storytelling, and conversation while honoring its legacy and continued influence. All students, faculty, and staff were welcomed to learn, listen, and engage in conversation during the meaningful gathering.
Student Panel: The Future of Black Student Enrollment: Access, Barriers, and Opportunities
This event closed out the celebrations on Thurs., Feb. 26, in the McCready Event Space. The community joined students from the Multicultural Student Coalition, Men of Color and Women of Color Group as they discussed the declining black enrollment at numerous colleges and universities. They also discussed how changes to affirmative action and DEI impact recruitment, and what campuses can do to create a culture that attracts Black students.
