We often celebrate national events like Black History Month but rarely consider their history or recognize the significance.

Black History Month is more than a century in the making. In its earliest form, recognition of the achievements and contributions of Black Americans began in 1926. Then, the celebration was held during the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist leader Frederick Douglass. Fifty years later, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, urging Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” February has been recognized as Black History Month by every U.S. president since.

I believe, given where we are in society right now, this month is not just about Black history — it also is about seeing and understanding each other.

If you tuned into the State of the University last week, I announced a new Top Tier goal to promote and support a culture of social justice, equity, and inclusion, where all faculty, staff, and students can be heard. I also discussed that structural racism is inherent in most organizations, including UNLV. While unintentional, it is often embedded in policies and practices that impact people differently. We can begin to address structural racism by coming together with the shared intention that, through what may be difficult conversations, we will make this a university that serves everyone.

A good place to start those conversations is by having our eyes open to our country’s history and each other’s experiences. This week, the educational series Hate Uncycled begins and We Need to Talk returns, featuring respected experts from our university and our community. The panels will engage in open dialogue on disparities in health care, education, and segregation. While these are not specific to Black History Month, these discussions elevate important topics affecting people of color in our community.

We have many Black History Month events scheduled, which can be found on the African Diaspora page. I am thrilled to join the conversation tomorrow to talk about my research on health disparities that can result from the stress of experiences of inequity and discrimination.

I hope you will take time this month and participate in one or more of these activities. Learning more about our shared history will spark thoughtful dialogue and increase awareness of our shared strengths and challenges. That is a great start to moving forward together as a university.