Carnegie Mellon University

Ujima: CFA Celebrates Black History Month

Pam Wigley

Historian Carter G. Woodson believed reason would prevail over prejudice. His hopes to raise awareness of African Americans’ contributions to the United States was actualized in the founding of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), an organization that later conceived and announced Negro History Week in 1925 a week that included the birthdays of both President Abraham Lincoln and Abolitionist Frederick Douglass. The celebration was expanded to “Black History Month” in 1976, the nation's bicentennial, by President Gerald R. Ford.

During his announcement, President Ford urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” That directive was necessary then and now. Only now, we must not simply look to American history, but to the present day.

Black history is American history, yet it is usually discussed only in the month of February and is usually done through a slave or activist narrative. There is so much more to the Black experience, history and culture than trauma. This is not to negate their violent past, but to remind us to honor and celebrate their triumphs, victories and contributions, as well.

The College of Fine Arts honors Black History Month by accepting accountability for our positioning of Black and African American history, culture and narratives within our community. We must do better, and we will. Throughout the fall semester 2021, the CFA Office of the Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion sponsored an “Accountability and Allyship” series five workshops with the intention to foster self-progression, intentional allyship and social responsibility. This work continues this spring, beginning with Black History Month.

This year’s CFA theme for Black History Month is “Ujima,” Swahili for collective work and responsibility. It is the third principle of Kwanzaa and asserts that a community can only be built and maintained together. Our programming will highlight the contributions of Black, the pan-African diaspora and African Americans to United States history and culture, as well as offer opportunities to discuss how we will move forward together with accountability and intentional allyship. We hope you will join us.

2022 Black History Month Programming

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Keynote Lecture: Soledad O’Brien

Tuesday, February 8 | 5–6:15 p.m.

Broadcast journalist, producer and philanthropist Soledad O’Brien will focus on disrupting and dismantling systemic racism by sharing voices and perspectives that often go unheard. She will bring powerful, real world insights in selected U.S. cities where efforts are under way to reform policing, incarceration, education, land ownership and more. O’Brien aims to leave audiences with a new understanding of how each of us can better understand and assist in dismantling systemic racism. Please register for this event through the University Lecture Series before Monday, February 7.

Register for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Keynote Lecture

Bridging the Gap: Turning Allyship into Activism

Wednesday, February 9 | 1:30–3 p.m.

Brandi Fisher, founder of the Alliance for Police Accountability, joins us to address how one can hold themselves and others accountable to serve as an intentional ally. We will discuss the differences between performative and intentional activism, as well as the difference between activism and advocacy. The goal of this program is to support a progressive understanding of accountable activism in support of those minoritized based on race and ethnicity.

Register for Bridging the Gap

When Spirits Align: Black Bartenders & How They Shaped an Industry

Friday, February 11 | 4–5:30 p.m.

This interactive tutorial offers participants an opportunity to explore the rich, hidden history of mixology. Mixologist Cecil B. Usher, will direct participants through cocktail and mocktail making while learning about the contributions Black Americans have made to the industry. Upon registration, participants will receive the names of our proposed cocktails and mocktails, as well as an ingredients list and gift certificate to purchase ingredients. This is an event you don’t want to miss!

Register for When Spirits Align

Khuraki: A Celebration of Afghanistan in Pittsburgh

Tuesday, February 15 | 5 p.m.
Giant Eagle Auditorium, Rangos Ballroom, Cohon University Center

This interactive theater experience, highlighted by food and music, helps to benefit Afghan women in a new food service venture. It is free and open to the public. Masks are required. A Zoom session also will be available. All attendees must register for the event.

Register for Khuraki

Khuraki Panel Discussion

Thursday, February 17 | 5 p.m.
4242 Tepper

This discussion focuses on Afghan resettlement in the Pittsburgh area. The panel features: Ivonne Smith-Tapia, the director of Refugee and Immigrant Services at Jewish Family and Community Services of Pittsburgh; Sohrab Bakhshi, contractor for the U.S. Military and former Afghan refugee, who personally experienced the transition, brought to the U.S. under a Special Immigrant Visa; and historian Emanuela Grama, associate professor and director of Global Studies at CMU, who will discuss dislocation and its related side effects. The panel is free and open to the public. Masks are required. Attendees must register for this event.

Register for Khuraki Panel Discussion

Decolonizing Mental Health

Thursday, February 24 | 3–4:30 p.m.

This workshop aims to destigmatize the need and desire for BIPOC students to seek mental health services. Racially minoritized communities experience a variety of challenges from imposter syndrome, feelings of isolation, identity insecurity, racial battle fatigue, and much more. Join us for a discussion with mental health experts about the collegiate experience of BIPOC students and learn some tools to empower yourself and practice radical self-love.

Register for Decolonizing Mental Health