Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

The University of Louisiana Monroe Cultural Diversity

Council and the Office of International Student Programs and Cultural Affairs

present “A Black History Program” at 10 AM on Friday, February 24, at Bayou

Pointe Event Center. The program will feature keynote speaker, Dr. Stephen

Peters. Peters has spent 37 plus years in the education realm as a classroom

teacher, assistant principal, principal, director of secondary education, and

superintendent. Most of his experiences have been in schools with significant,

quick growth, resulting in both national and state blue-ribbon

distinction. Dr. Peters is the past President of the Board of Directors

of the International Literacy Association and President of The Peters Group, a

national education consulting company. Dr. Peters is also a best-selling author

of several books including “Choosing to Believe: Creating a Framework for

School Success,” “Do You Know Enough About Me to Teach Me,” and “Inspired to

Learn: Why We Must Give Children Hope.” “We are excited to experience the passion and enthusiasm

that Dr. Peters conveys when he speaks of cultivating diversity and cultural

awareness in our educational systems and practices,” said Gina White, Director

of International Student Programs and Cultural Coordinator in ULM’s Office of

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This year’s program will also highlight the talent of ULM

students and youth within the community through vocal, instrumental and dance

performances. “The BHM program gives people of African descent at ULM

the feeling of ‘belongingness,’” Randall Hughes said. “For ULM to put an emphasis

on Black History Month not only reaches the students on campus but also causes

a chain reaction to the high schools around Monroe and West Monroe.” This year’s BHM

theme is “Black Resistance” to remember the historic and ongoing oppression

African Americans face. The theme embraces achievements, successes, and

progress Black people have made through resistance. According to the

Association for the Study of African American Life and History, “this is a call

to everyone… to study the history of Black Americans’ responses to establish

safe spaces, where Black life can be sustained, fortified and respected.” This event

is free and open to the community.