44 Days Black Student Convocation Kicks Off with “Joy, Fun, and Community”

The Black Student Convocation at Saint Mary’s College has served as the official launch of 44 Days Honoring Black History for the past four years. This year’s event is happening on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will be especially memorable!

The Black Student Convocation theme, “Joy, Fun, Community” will engage Black undergraduate and graduate students through a variety of activities designed to provide a gathering space for students to reinforce their academic and professional pursuits, enhance transformative bonds, and discuss their shared experiences, goals and needs, with support and guidance from Black faculty, staff and alumni. Students will have a welcoming and safe place to share their stories—from those passed down through family generations, to stories of more recent times. Every story has its unique impact, be it powerful or neutral, painful or comical. Individuals are shaped by the stories that touch them, and Black students at Saint Mary’s are welcome to express their experiences and perspectives within a like-minded community of gatherers and storytellers.

“It is important to bear witness to the voices and experiences that have shaped us as a people,” said Kathy Littles, associate provost for faculty affairs and senior diversity officer. “It is true that everyone has a story to tell—for Black people it was and is a testament to how we have historically lifted our voices to acknowledge our collective struggles, courage, sacrifices, grace, and countless triumphs.”

The Black Student Convocation is a valuable resource for Black students, and is lauded for being inspiring, motivational, and restorative. “As always, our programming will balance creating safe spaces for Black students with a focus on personal development,” said Littles.

Activities planned include a morning plenary session with focused discussions on Black male perspectives across the generations, a career panel with Black alumni and Black higher educational professionals, self-care sessions, and a host of other participatory events. Music will be provided by a live DJ, trivia games will be played, and a social mixer will round out the 44 Days Black Student Convocation.

To register for the 44 Days Black Student Convocation, click here.