Beverley Daniel Tatum to Headline Black History Month Events
Beverly Daniel Tatum
Feb. 3 lecture kicks off Black History Month programming
Beverly Daniel Tatum, esteemed psychologist, scholar and higher-education leader, will be in conversation with Dickinson’s Tony Boston, chief diversity officer, and Jacquie Forbes, assistant professor of educational studies, during this cornerstone event of Dickinson’s Black History Month. The program, The Psychology of Belonging: Navigating Identity on a College Campus, will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 7 p.m. in the Anita Tuvin Schlechter Auditorium, 360 W. Louther St. The event is free and open to the public. A book signing will follow the presentation. The event will also be livestreamed via a link at clarkeforum.org.
Inspired by Tatum’s New York Times bestselling book, Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? And Other Conversations About Race, this discussion will explore social identity formation as well as institutional efforts needed to foster inclusion, a sense of belonging and psychological safety. The conversation will also examine current challenges facing higher-education leaders, which is the focus of Tatum’s latest book, Peril and Promise: College Leadership in Turbulent Times. The book was designated by Forbes as one of its Best Higher Education Books of 2025.
Tatum is renowned for her expertise in race relations and for her leadership in the field of education. She is the former president at Spelman College, the oldest historically Black women’s college in the U.S., and she has served in administrative positions at Mount Holyoke College, including acting president. Tatum is also the author of Can We Talk About Race? And Other Conversations in an Era of School Resegregation. She is the recipient of the prestigious Brock International Prize in Education, recognizing innovative leadership, and of the American Psychological Association’s Award for Outstanding Lifetime Contributions to Psychology.
Don't miss these additional Black History Month events!
Feb. 4: Knowledge for Change; Educating Against Bias and Hate
Allison Hall Community Room, 6-7:30 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
Join us for an important and empowering conversation about how to keep ourselves and our communities safe from acts of bias and hate. Cpl. Ismail El-Guemra, Heritage Affairs liaison officer, Pennsylvania State Police, will explore why hate happens and what drives it, the protections available under Pennsylvania law, how we can protect ourselves and how we can support one another. Everyone is welcome. Space is limited. A light dinner will be provided.
Feb. 13: Frederick Douglass 208th Birthday Celebration
Stern Center Great Room, noon-4 p.m.
Celebrate Frederick Douglass’ 208th birthday with cake, refreshments and a variety of craft activities, including quilting, button-making and zine-making. You’ll also have an opportunity to engage with historic Civil War–era documents by participating in the DouglassDay.org transcribe-a-thon. Everyone is welcome; no prior experience is necessary. Drop in for a bit, or stay awhile.
Feb. 21: ADCC Black History Month formal
HUB Social Hall, 9 p.m.
Dickinson's Afro-Diasporic & Cultural Collective (ADCC) hosts its fourth annual Black History Month formal this year. All are welcome! This event has been previously known as Black Excellence Gala, Midnight Masquerade and Sneaker Ball. There will be food and music. This event is intended to create a space for Black students to celebrate their culture and heritage. All students are welcome! For up-to-date information, see the ADCC's Instagram account.
TAKE THE NEXT STEPS
Published January 14, 2026