Black History at Albertus Magnus College
Celebrated in February to coincide with the births of two civil rights forefathers, Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, nationally-recognized Black History Month carries particular and personal potency within the walls of Albertus Magnus College. Today, students identifying as Black comprise 17.9% of our traditional undergraduate and 37.7% of our adult undergraduate populations…the strongest fibers in our Community value pillar. This year, we build on the tradition with the launching of the Black Excellence 365 initiative, a campus-wide year-round celebration of the accomplishments and lives of Albertus’ Black students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members.
We encourage your participation in the events and activities listed below. Be sure to check out our ongoing blogs and social posts spotlighting renowned Black Albertus community members continually demonstrating #BlackExcellence in their work and lives.
We are all one - and if we don't know it, we will learn it the hard way.
Bayard Rustin
Black National Anthem
National Black Anthem – "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing" – often referred to as the "Black National Anthem" – is a song written as a poem by James Weldon Johnson (1871–1938) in 1900 and set to music by his brother John Rosamond Johnson (1873–1954) in 1905.
Lift Every Voice and Sing" was publicly performed first as part of a celebration of Abraham Lincoln's birthday. In 1919, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) dubbed it "the Negro national anthem" for its power in voicing a cry for liberation and affirmation for African-American people.
The song is a prayer of thanksgiving for faithfulness and freedom, with imagery evoking the biblical Exodus from slavery to the freedom of the "promised land." It is featured in 39 different Christian hymnals, and is sung in churches, celebrations, schools and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the United States. Over the years, it has been performed and altered by various artists.
In 1939, Augusta Savage an African American sculptor associated with the Harlem Renaissance was commissioned by the New York World’s fair to create a plaster sculpture called Lift Every Voice and Sing for the World’s Fair.
Black History Month 2024 Events
Rise Up: A History of Black Resistance Discussion with Faculty
Academic Affairs Feb. 12thTime: 12:15 - 1:15PM
Location: Hubert Campus Center, Behan Community Room
*Lunch Provided
Black Business Pop-Up Shop
Tag School & BSU Feb. 17thTime: 1:00 - 5:30PM
Location: Athletic Center, Lobby
Black History 2.0: The Remix
The Office of Career and Professional Development Feb. 21stPresenter: Frank E. Brady | Frankebrady.com
Time: 12:00 - 1:00pm
Location: Hubert Campus Center
*Special themed lunch menu provided by Chartwells. Lunch tickets will be provided for commuters*
Black Pop-Up Shop
Tag School & BSU Feb. 26thTime: 12:00 - 1:30pm
Location:Hubert Campus Center
Fearless Service: An Evening Celebrating Black Leadership
The Office of the President Feb. 27thPanel: 5:30pm
Dinner: 6:30pm
Location: Hubert Campus Center, Behan Community Room
RSVP Now to secure your spot!
RSVPThe 2nd Annual BSU Cookout
Black Student Union Feb. 29thTime: 5:30 - 7:30pm
Location: TAG Atrium
RSVP Now to secure your spot!
All Month Events
Black Author Exhibit
Library & ITSLocation: Rosary Hall
Black Contribution Exhibit
Academic AffairsLocation: Rosary Hall
Black American Saint Candidates
Dominican MinistiersLocation: Hubert Campus Center
Special thanks to the Office of College Events, Offices of Academic Affairs, BlackStudent Union (BSU), Student Affairs, Library and Information Technology Services (ITS), Marketing and Creative Services, Dominican Mission & Ministries, The Office of Career and Professional Development, and Tagiliatela School of Business and Leadership (TAG School)
Club/Organization Information
Black Student Union (BSU)
Multicultural Club (MCC)
Office of Career Development: Social Media Campaign (@albertuscareers)
Black Brilliance Blogs
Briona Jenkins ’12 Talks Self-Worth and Setting Boundaries
As a student at Albertus Magnus College, Briona “Bri” Jenkins couldn’t help but get involved in everything. The Hamden native played volleyball, served as a Resident Assistant, Student Orientation Leader, President of the Student Government Association, and...
Read More >
John Watts ‘13 Reminds Us that Kindness and Commitment Go a Long Way
John Watts ‘13 considers himself a lifelong learner. Now an esteemed criminal justice professional with 18 years in the industry, he admits his journey reaching this point in his career was not always smooth sailing.
Read More >
Chelsea Sherrod '16 (she/her). Meet a Boston sports journalist who is not afraid to network and be her authentic self.
After graduating from Albertus Magnus College, Chelsea began her career in Ryebrook,
New York as an operations technician. Within a few short years, she landed the gig
she calls a 'Godsend' -- a reporter/host for New England Sports Network (NESN).
Chelsea credits a great deal of her success to one Albertus professor who introduced
her to the industry.
Earl McCoy, Jr. ‘17 ‘18 is Raising the F.L.A.G. for Needed Networking Opportunities for BIPOC Students and Beyond
Private, Catholic institutions are no stranger to Earl McCoy, Jr. Before coming to Albertus, the Hamden native attended Notre Dame High School in West Haven, where he made meaningful connections with his teachers. These connections continue to serve him as he grows in his career.
Read More >