UM-Flint Black History Month celebration features monthlong event schedule

The University of Michigan-Flint will reflect on the milestones achieved by Black Americans as it observes and celebrates Black History Month. Coordinated by UM-Flint's Division of Student Affairs, Black History Month events will be presented to students, faculty, staff and community members, Feb. 1-28.

"Black history is American history, but Black History Month provides an opportunity to focus on recognizing the oft-neglected contributions of Black Americans," said David Luke, UM-Flint's chief diversity officer. "Each year, we host a keynote for Black History Month that is free and open to the public, as well as numerous other events hosted by units, student organizations and academic departments throughout campus. It is a collective effort to recognize, celebrate and learn together in community."

More than a dozen events will be happening throughout February, a month that has been observed as Black History Month in the United States since the 1970s.

The month will be highlighted by keynote speaker Dawn Hinton, 5:30-7 p.m., Feb. 22, in the University Center's KIVA.

Hinton, a Flint native, has spent the past 23 years at Saginaw Valley State University, most recently as the university's associate vice president of academic affairs. She is a 1992 UM-Flint graduate with a bachelor's degree in sociology, going on to earn master's (1995) and doctoral (1998) degrees in the same discipline from Western Michigan University.

Hinton's keynote is titled "Building Resilient Communities: Navigating Unity in Times of Distress."

"We are fortunate to host excellent keynote speakers for Black History Month, from Bobby Seale and Brittney Cooper to one of our own in Dawn Hinton," said Luke. "Dr. Hinton returns to campus after an impactful legacy as a student who was heavily involved in Students for Black Achievement, the precursor to what is now the Black Student Union, and whose advocacy resulted in the dedication of the Alvin D. Loving Cultural Lounge. Now making her mark on higher education, we are excited to hear her thoughts and insights as we commemorate Black History Month at UM-Flint."

In addition to her current role, Hinton has served as a professor of sociology and director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at SVSU.

Hinton's involvement in the academic sphere extends beyond SVSU, as she has actively contributed to the Michigan Sociological Association as both treasurer and president. At the same time, she is also active in the Michigan chapter of the American Council on Education Women's network. She has also served on the boards of the Saginaw County Defenders Office, Saginaw Housing Commission, Saginaw African Cultural Festival, and the First Ward Community Center.

To find other Black History Month events at UM-Flint, click here.