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Celebrating Black History Month: Honoring a Rich Legacy

As we continue with the month of February, we are proud to join the nation in celebrating Black History Month—a time to honor the achievements, contributions, and resilience of the Black community throughout history.

Black History Month has its roots in the efforts of Carter G. Woodson, who, in 1926, established "Negro History Week" to ensure the recognition of Black history in American education. Over time, this observance expanded to encompass the entire month of February, providing a dedicated period for reflection, education, and celebration.

This month, let us come together to appreciate the diverse tapestry of Black history and culture. We encourage you to engage in meaningful conversations, events, and activities that highlight the remarkable individuals who have shaped our world. From trailblazers in civil rights like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks to influential cultural figures such as Maya Angelou and Langston Hughes, their legacies continue to inspire and enrich us.

Here are some ways you can participate in honoring Black History Month:

 Educational Workshops: Host or attend workshops/seminars that delve into pivotal moments in Black history, exploring themes such as the Civil Rights Movement, the Harlem Renaissance, and the achievements of Black inventors, scientists, and artists.

Film Screenings: Showcase films and documentaries that highlight the experiences and accomplishments of Black individuals. This can be an excellent opportunity for open discussions and reflections.

Cultural Events: Celebrate the diversity within the Black community by organizing cultural events that showcase music, dance, art, and literature. Encourage local artists to share their talents.

 Community Service: Pay homage to the spirit of community and service by organizing volunteer activities that contribute positively to the well-being of your local community.

 Let us use this month to foster unity, appreciation, and understanding. By recognizing and celebrating Black history, we contribute to a more inclusive and harmonious society.

Thank you for joining us in commemorating Black History Month.

 Sincerely,

 Inclusive Excellence Committee

The University of Texas at El Paso (Â鶹¹ÙÍø) Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program acknowledges that a profound history and the present state of oppression in the United States have led to the systemic disenfranchisement of populations including communities of color, members of sexual and gender minority populations, people who are not part of a religious majority, people with disabilities, and many immigrant populations. We recognize that if we are not actively working to promote social justice for all, then we are part of the problem. Thus, our students, staff, and faculty have created the Â鶹¹ÙÍø DPT Program’s Committee on Inclusive Excellence.

We are committed to creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive DPT Program, physical therapy profession, community, and nation. In order to actively pursue the actionable changes we want to see within and beyond our Program, we will begin by expanding our own recruitment and community engagement strategies. We also pledge to become more aware of our own privileges and implicit biases and to promote allyship with all oppressed groups through open dialogue, reflection, and research.

We are proud of our unique binational community, and our Program’s long-standin commitment to cultural proficiency and diversity. The creation of the Â鶹¹ÙÍø DPT Program’s Committee on Inclusive Excellence in the Summer of 2020 marks a renewed and expanded commitment to improving our own Program, serving marginalized populations, and transforming society.

We are particularly proud of our commitment to inclusive excellence. We welcome and actively seek students and faculty from all backgrounds. Additionally, to our knowledge, we are the only DPT program that integrates Spanish language learning opportunities across the curriculum. We aim to prepare our graduates to provide culturally proficient and linguistically competent care in our border region and beyond in order to serve under-served populations.