Every year, UW–Madison celebrates Black History Month to honor the ways in which the Black community has contributed to and helped shape American society and this campus community.
We asked several Black faculty and staff members to reflect on culture, history, contributions, and achievements within their communities and share their thoughts with us.
“Attending the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater each year has become one of my favorite traditions in my household. Alvin Ailey Jr., a dancer, director, choreographer, and activist, founded the first Black repertory dance company which supports Black artists and celebrates the history, heritage, and experiences of the Black community through dance. The company offers performances, classes, and community programs, providing a platform for marginalized choreographers and dancers. Ailey is especially renowned for his iconic piece Revelations, a ballet set to African American spirituals, gospel songs, and blues music that tells the story of Black Americans’ history.
While many often turn to books to learn about Black history, experiencing it through dance has been a unique and powerful way for me to connect with my own history while exploring the experiences of others.”
Danielle Pulliam
Assistant Athletic Director for Leadership & Inclusion
Athletic Department
“Black History Month is an opportunity for Americans and others to remember that Black history is American history. It is not less important than any other event or time in the history of our country.
I’ve been thinking lately about people like John Hope Franklin and Henry Louis Gates. At a time when people want to rewrite the history or eliminate the history of Black people in America, these people and others like them are important to make sure that the history of Black people in America is not forgotten and is told truthfully.
To meaningfully celebrate Black history, allies and members of the community can learn, remember, celebrate, and pass on the history and contributions of Black people in America. We particularly need to remember the worst parts of our history, so we are not doomed to repeat it.
Media that I recommend as a resource to learn about Black contributions to our society and culture includes anything written by James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, or Maya Angelou. If you want something more contemporary, anything that Phoebe Robinson or Roy Wood, Jr. does. Their podcasts, television shows, books, all of it is worth exploring. They are smart, hilarious, and on point with their commentary about being a Black person in America.”
Michael J. States
Associate Dean for Diversity & Inclusion
University of Wisconsin Law School
“James W.C. Pennington (1807–1870) inspires my modern-day practice of studying literacy and promoting effective instruction to address illiteracy. As an abolitionist and educator, his work in advancing education motivates me to focus on pronunciation symbols and spelling as tools for empowering learners. I incorporate resources like the Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary 11th edition to provide tailored, practical approaches to literacy instruction that meet the needs of students with dyslexia. Pennington’s legacy reminds me that effective literacy instruction remains a powerful tool for liberation and equity, and I strive to honor his work by applying these principles in contemporary contexts.”
Shawn Anthony Robinson, PhD
Senior Research Associate
Wisconsin’s Equity and Inclusion Laboratory
“When I think of Black History, I reflect on the legacy, contributions, innovation, and service that Black people—especially Black women—have provided to this country and the world. I honor and recognize the unsung heroes, hidden figures, martyrs, innovators, and justice warriors. Trailblazing women like Shirley Chisholm, Dr. Mae Jemison, Dorothy Vaughan, Jacqueline DeWalt, and Milele Chikasa Anana have built a foundation in their respective fields that has profoundly impacted me, my work, and future generations in countless ways. As we observe Black History Month, I encourage everyone to discover and celebrate the Black unsung heroes in their communities and share their contributions and good work with others.”
Bukky A. Leonard
Educational Content Specialist
PEOPLE