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Three students speak with Richard A. Robinson during the Black History Month event.

Diversity and Inclusion Celebrations

Black History Month

February gives our Bobcat family the opportunity to celebrate the rich history and diverse contributions of the Black American community — while reminding us all how important it is to embrace diversity and inclusivity throughout the year.

At Quinnipiac, we are committed to inclusive excellence, built upon equality. We believe everyone should be respected and welcomed in our community — and have the opportunity to be heard and thrive.

We hope you will participate in our month-long celebration.

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Our Community in Action

Over the years, we have honored the stories of Black Americans near and far who have led change with courage and a far-reaching vision to lift the lives of members of their community, achieved success in their chosen field — despite barriers — and brought social justice to all corners of society.

Notable personalities and thought leaders — from Michele Norris of NPR, to film director, producer, writer and actor Spike Lee, to a poignant hip hop performance, to a conversation about racial profiling with community leaders — have helped us lead important conversations.

Richard Robinson and Don Sawyer talk together while sitting in armchairs on stage.
2020 - Richard A. Robinson: Richard A. Robinson, chief justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court and top administrator of the state judicial branch, delivered remarks at the Black History Month 2020 Keynote Event: Legacies of Black Excellence. The event was designed to highlight the historic outstanding achievements of Black Americans nationally and locally, as well as showcase the rich culture and history with traditional and present-day food traditions. A buffet dinner and jazz music set the tone for a celebratory event.
Richard Edmond-Vargas performs with a keyboard in front of an audience.
2019 - Richard Edmond-Vargas: Richard Edmond-Vargas, co-founder of Initiate Justice, presented “Cops, Gangstas, D.A.s and Thugs Share a Common Ancestor: Patriarchy.”
Bettina Love speaks at a podium during the Black History Month keynote event.
2019 - Bettina Love: University of Georgia professor Bettina Love, PhD, presents her talk “Get Free: Hip-Hop Education, Civics, and Social Justice.”
Danny Glover speaks with a handful of Quinnipiac students.
2018 - Danny Glover: Students and faculty meet with actor and activist Danny Glover at a reception before his talk, “From Abolition to #BLM.”
Danny Glover and Khalilah Brown-Dean speak on stage in front of an audience.
2018 - Danny Glover: Actor and activist Danny Glover and Khalilah Brown-Dean, associate professor of political science, discuss “From Abolition to #BLM.”
Margot Lee Shetterly speaks at a podium in front of a full audience.
2017 - Margot Lee Shetterly: “Hidden Figures” author Margot Lee Shetterly discusses how black women used math to advance America during her lecture.
Margot Lee Shetterly smiles for a photo with several Quinnipiac students.
2017 - Margot Lee Shetterly: Quinnipiac students, from left, Makala Holman, Luna Charles, Chizoma Chima, Zara Khan and Brittany Hayles, meet “Hidden Figures” author Margot Lee Shetterly, center, during a reception before her lecture.
Marc Lamont Hill speaks at a podium during the Black History Month keynote event.
2016 - Marc Lamont Hill: Marc Lamont Hill, then the host of BET News and a political contributor for CNN, delivers the Black History Month address.
Marc Lamont Hill speaks to a handful of guests during a reception.
2016 - Marc Lamont Hill: Marc Lamont Hill, then the host of BET News and a political contributor for CNN, discusses diversity in education with a group of Quinnipiac students.
A panel of guests sit at the front of the room in arm chairs having a discussion
2015 - Liberty and Justice for All: Exploring Racial Profiling: The panel discussion explored the topic of racial profiling. From left, panelists included the Rev. Kennedy D. Hampton Sr., of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in New Haven; Tanya Hughes, executive director of the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities; Don C. Sawyer III, then assistant professor of sociology at Quinnipiac; and Lt. J. Paul Vance, then Connecticut State Police public information officer. Keith Kountz, a reporter for WTNH-TV, moderated the event.
Michele Norris speaks at a podium during Quinnipiac's annual Black History Month keynote event.
2014 - Michele Norris: Michele Norris, National Public Radio host and special correspondent, presents Quinnipiac’s annual Black History Month lecture, “Eavesdropping on America’s Conversation on Race.”
A person in the audience poses a question to Michele Norris while the audience looks on.
2014 - Michele Norris: Ian Jackson ’14, MBA '15, asks a question of Michele Norris, National Public Radio host and special correspondent. Norris, National Public Radio host and special correspondent, presented Quinnipiac’s annual Black History Month lecture, “Eavesdropping on America’s Conversation on Race.”
Two performers how emotion during a presentation on stage.
2013 - First Wave: The First Wave Hip Hop and Urban Arts Learning Community performs at Quinnipiac. The First Wave Learning Community is the first university program in the country centered on urban arts, spoken word and hip-hop culture.
Three performers present on stage
2013 - First Wave: The First Wave Hip Hop and Urban Arts Learning Community performs at Quinnipiac. The First Wave Learning Community is the first university program in the country centered on urban arts, spoken word and hip-hop culture.
Hip hop performers on stage during Quinnipiac's Black History Month event.
2013 - First Wave: The First Wave Hip Hop and Urban Arts Learning Community performs at Quinnipiac. The First Wave Learning Community is the first university program in the country centered on urban arts, spoken word and hip-hop culture.
Bernard Lafayette and Andrew Young speak with Ed Gordon on stage
2012 - Freedom Riders lecture: Civil rights activists Bernard Lafayette and Ambassador Andrew Young, original Freedom Riders, discussed their faith and the role it played in their efforts to end segregation. Here, Lafayette and Young speak with Ed Gordon, right, host of “Weekly With Ed Gordon” on Black Entertainment Television, during the event.
Spike Lee speaks with Quinnipiac students during a Black History Month event
2011 - Spike Lee: American film director, producer, writer, and actor, Spike Lee’s films have examined race relations, colorism in the black community, the role of media in contemporary life, urban crime and poverty and other political issues. Lee met with students before providing the keynote address during Black History Month at Quinnipiac.
Spike Lee speaks in front of a Quinnipiac sign during a black history month event
2011 - Spike Lee: American film director, producer, writer, and actor, Spike Lee’s films have examined race relations, colorism in the black community, the role of media in contemporary life, urban crime and poverty and other political issues. Lee provided the keynote address during Black History Month at Quinnipiac.

Diversity and Inclusion at Quinnipiac

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