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The Black History Month theme for 2021 is, “The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity.” Throughout the centuries, the Black family’s representation and identity have been revered and stereotyped. It knows no single location, and genetic-ancestry searches and family reunions show the spread of Black families across states, nations and continents.

“Our goal this year was to truly encompass a collaborative effort for planning Black History Month and to bring in diverse perspectives to highlight the many facets of Blackness and the Black Diaspora,” said Ja’Mahl McDaniel, director of the MLK Center. “I am extremely proud of the work and commitment our Black History Month planning team has demonstrated."

Two programs fostered by the University of Kentucky Office for Technology Commercialization (OTC) have been awarded by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the National Science and Technology Council for creating “a more inclusive research and development innovation ecosystem for the future.”

The University of Kentucky will host the 32nd annual Economic Outlook Conference, sponsored by Central Bank, Wednesday, Feb. 3. The conference will be offered from 8:30 a.m.-noon as a webinar. Registration is required, but the registration fee has been waived.

SPARK, which was launched last year by UK’s Center for Health Equity Transformation (CHET) and Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CCTS), is a year-long community-engaged program for undergraduates focused on research related to health equity.

“By seeking books that explore the intersections of sports and racial and ethnic histories through the racial dynamics of gender, culture, masculinity, sexuality, and power through biography, community, film, literature, and oral history, the series opens a new analysis of American sport and culture,” said Ashley Runyon, University Press of Kentucky director.

Recently, I was grateful to have a conversation with Dr. Stephanie White, associate dean of diversity and inclusion for the UK College of Medicine. Dr. White joined the University of Kentucky in January 2020, and she is currently a member of the DEI Leadership Team.

Five recently hired faculty members associated with the Department of African and Africana Studies in the College of Arts & Sciences are broadening the range of diverse and inclusive course offerings to University of Kentucky students. 

On this episode of "Behind the Blue," UK Public Relations and Strategic Communication’s Carl Nathe talks with Prendergast about developing partnerships across campus, keeping students engaged in programs with work opportunities and mentorships, and more.

In August, Stevens-Watkins was appointed UK’s Assistant Vice President for Research in Diversity and Inclusion after President Eli Capilouto announced a five-year, $10 million commitment to sponsor UK research focused on racial disparities and inequity.