Unified under a collective theme to Enlighten Our Present, Recall Our Past and Embolden Our Future, Belmont University engaged in several events during February to provide a platform for education, reflection and celebration around Black History Month 2024 (BHM).
The Office of Hope, Unity and Belonging presented “A Night with Kirk Franklin” as a BHM surprise event. Franklin revolutionized gospel music with his debut platinum album “Kirk Franklin and the Family” in 1992. He has impacted the lives of countless individuals through his music, receiving many awards including 20 Grammy awards.
Franklin’s documentary “Father’s Day” was shown, followed by a Q&A with Kirk Franklin moderated by University President Dr. Greg Jones and Vice President for Hope, Unity and Belonging Dr. D’Angelo Taylor.
"You are simply a spectator of what God is doing. And what an honor it is to be in the room and watch him do his thing."
-Kirk Franklin
Enlighten Our Present
The Thomas F. Cone Center for Entrepreneurship sponsored a panelist discussion over Black entrepreneurship and philanthropy with alumni Harry Allen and Kia Jarmon along with guest Quincy Banks. Dr. Karen Lewis of the new Frist College of Medicine and Dr. Marquinta Harvey of the Public Health Program talked about Black Health overviewing racial health disparities that have persisted in America in the last 200 years, including the present day. Dr. Candice Storey Lee shared her story as the Vice Chancellor for Athletics and University Affairs and Athletic Director of Vanderbilt University. Lee is Vanderbilt’s first female Athletic Director and the first Black woman to head an SEC athletics program.
Recall Our Past
Sponsored by the Fisk-Belmont Social Justice Collaborative, attorney David Steele Ewing led a Social Justice Bus Tour, visiting significant places and recalling critical historical moments and events throughout Nashville. Ewing is a ninth-generation Nashville resident and direct descendant of Prince Albert Ewing — the first African American to practice law in Tennessee and a six-time judge. Assistant Professor in the College of Education Darcie Finch and St. Clair Detrick-Jules, an award-winning filmmaker, photographer, author, activist, and public speaker led the Black Hair Symposium. Associate Professor in the College of Education Dr. Mona C. Ivey-Soto discussed the reality and future hope of Black history being taught in the classroom and outside in different arenas in a session titled Black History 101.
Embolden Our Future
New York Times bestselling author Dr. Jemar Tisby gave a chapel address. His latest book is How to Fight Racism: Courageous Christianity and the Journey Toward Racial Justice. Belmont welcomed state representative Justin Pearson of the "Tennessee 3" to speak about the necessity of young voters and their rights at the ballot box. Assistant Professor of Music Business Eric Holt sat down with award-winning producer Drumma Boy, in an informative conversation for the Belmont community on Black music and the importance of creativity, innovation and collaboration.
"If you don't make your voice heard, someone else will. The movement of justice rooted in love is worth our best effort. It is our greatest chance and hope for change and transformation."
- Justin Pearson
Black History Month Planning Committee
Members include D’Angelo Taylor (Chair), Amilyah Bryant, Libby Godo, Eric Holt, Gary Hunter, Brody Jones, Marcus Knight, Jasmine Pettus, Joyce Searcy, Tori Talbert, Susan West and Tamika Williams.