Feb. 1, 2023

Dear URI Community Members,

Today, February 1, marks the start of Black History Month. Across the nation, and here at URI, we will recognize and celebrate the lives, struggles, and accomplishments of generations of African Americans who paved the way for modern civil rights and justice. We have several events planned for the month that will commemorate those who have helped shape our history while highlighting inspiring members in our own community.

We begin the month with the annual Dr. King Unity Luncheon this afternoon, featuring keynote speaker and alumnus, Dr. Wilson Okello ’12. The livestream can be viewed here. The luncheon brings members of the URI community together in conversation about how to lead and inspire transformational change. The event also includes live performances and a presentation of the Peacemaker Award.

Next week, muralist Angela Gonzalez ’16, known as AGONZA, will return to campus to host another edition of the Culture & Canvas series. The focus will be on Black History Month and is sponsored by the Black Student Union, the National Society of Black Engineers, and Sankofa. The link to register can be found here. AGONZA is a Talent Development alumna and graduated with her B.A. in art with a minor in theater. A “revolutionist’s artist,” AGONZA’s activism comes in the form of art, and her striking murals have sparked conversation and inspiration across the city of Providence and the state.

And later in the month, the Multicultural Student Services Center, in collaboration with the Center for Career and Experiential Education will host the annual B.U.I.L.D. (Building Unity and Inspired Leaders of the Diaspora) event. URI students can connect with BIPOC employers, leaders, and local organizations to discuss career, internship, and mentorship opportunities. Students can register here.

Finally, I hope you will join me today for the State of the University address, where I will share the University’s 10-year strategic plan, an  exciting vision for URI’s next phase of transformation and growth. Integral to this plan is our deep commitment to cultivating a diverse, inclusive, equitable, and accessible learning, living, and working environment.

This month, it is important that we acknowledge and honor our past, but every day we must continue to celebrate and elevate the unique voices on our campuses and work to foster a true sense of belonging by ensuring that the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion are imbued in all that we do—in our policies, programming, collaborations, and conversations.

For more information about URI’s Black History Month events, please visit the MSSC website.

Kind regards,

Marc Parlange