William Paterson University Celebrates Black History Month with Health and Wellness Inspired Events


Lectures, discussions, and arts events centered around health and wellness highlight William Paterson University’s annual Black History Month celebration during February 2022.

This year’s theme, Surviving to Thriving, provides an opportunity to recommit to healthy wellness practices. Aspects of physical, mental, and social health and wellness are woven through several programs, highlighting topics of Black career development, Black hair, Black love, Black cinema and arts, and Black fitness.

“As we continue to navigate the pandemic and continued horrific acts of racial injustice in society, this focus on health and wellness is particularly important and timely,” says David Jones, chief diversity officer at William Paterson. “William Paterson remains committed to sustaining these types of inclusive programs to continue to offer support, resources, community and dialogue to address health and wellness concerns and prioritize the humanity of our students, particularly students of color who have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and racial injustice.”

“Our committee worked extensively to plan the events for this year’s Black History Month and began meeting in October. Throughout the planning, I could sense the passion and commitment to program concepts and event visions,” says Myranda Barreau, assistant director for student diversity and inclusion at William Paterson. “The Black experience at William Paterson, whether it’s that of a student, faculty, or staff, is so important and is an experience that we strive to ensure is a positive one.”

The opening virtual ceremony will include a dynamic panel discussion on Black health, wellness, self-care, and mental health with three guest panelists: LaShauna Dean, PhD, licensed counselor and former William Paterson professor of special education, professional counseling, and disability studies; Jeffrey Obiekwe, licensed associate counselor; and Octavia Lewis, transgender health coordinator.

Tuesday, February 1

  • Opening Ceremony Virtual Panel Discussion, 12:30 to 2:00 p.m., Zoom ID: 987 1914 8908, Passcode: 124485
  • SABLE (Sisters for Awareness Black Leadership & Equality) Back to Black Opening Social Night, 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., UC Multipurpose Room

Wednesday, February 2

  • BSU (Black Student Union), Aux Wars, 7:00 to 10:30 p.m., UC Multipurpose Room

Thursday, February 10

  • Sons of Mystro, Award-Winning Caribbean American Violin Duo, 12:30 p.m., Shea Center for Performing Arts, Admission: Free
  • Black in the Workplace Hybrid Experience, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., UC Multipurpose Room, Zoom ID: 941 4197 4782, Passcode: 132807
  • SAPB (Student Activities Programming Board), Diaspora Day, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., UC 211
  • HASA (Hatian American Student Association), Paint and Plogue, 8:30 to 11:00 p.m., UC Multipurpose Room

Friday, February 11 

  • Pioneer Cafe Live: Paint and Sip, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., UC Multipurpose Room
  • A Change is Gonna Come, the music of Sam Cooke starring Bradd Marquis, 8:00 p.m. Shea Center for Performing Arts, Admission: $25 Orchestra, $20 Loge

Tuesday, February 15

  • SAPB (Student Activities Programming Board), Hair Fest, 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., UC 211

Thursday, February 17

  • AAAFSA (African, African American Faculty, Staff, and Administrators) Community Dialogue and Meet & Greet, 12:30 to 2 p.m., UC 211
  • SABLE (Sisters for Awareness Black Leadership & Equality), Night Fit for a King, 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., UC Multipurpose Room

Friday, February 18

  • AfriCinema: The United States vs. Billie Holiday, 6:30 to 9:00 p.m., UC 168 A/B

Tuesday. February 22

  • Black People Will Swim Presentation with Guest Speaker Paulana Lamonier, 12:30 to 2:00 p.m., UC 216
  • Swimming Pool Demonstration with Paulana Lamonier, 4:30 to 6:00 p.m., Wightman Pool (Participation in this program requires a swimsuit and pre-registration on Pioneer Life)

Thursday, February 24

  • Knowing Your Roots with Guest Speaker Judah Dwight Sanders, 12:30 to 2:00 p.m., Zoom ID: 977 4975 6657, Passcode: 919480

Friday, February 25

  • African Soul International Music, Dance, Storytelling, and Songs, 5:00 p.m., Shea Center for Performing Arts, Admission: Free

Saturday, February 26

  • Coming Back to America Closing Brunch, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., UC Multipurpose Room

For more information, visit the Pioneer Life Black History Month portal.

01/27/22