“The most noble cause in the world is the liberation of the mind and spirit — beginning with our own,” noted poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou when she visited Bryant’s campus in 1996. Every step of progress is measured in firsts, audacious foundations built, brick by brick, by those who dared to make a difference — and who continue to inspire change.
This Black History Month, we celebrate the individuals and the moments that have made a difference at Bryant University — from brave trailblazers and bold leaders to historic milestones and purposeful celebrations — as we reflect on how we can all come together to continue to build a better, more inclusive Bryant.
Special thanks to Adriana Minacapilli, library assistant for collection management and digital services at Bryant University, and the staff of the Douglas and Judith Krupp Library for their assistance with this project.
A chronicle of significant moments in black history at Bryant:
A graduation photo of Sheffield.
1946: Blanche Dolores Sheffield became the first recorded Black woman to graduate from Bryant College and obtain her Bachelor of Secretarial Sciences. During a time of open racism and intolerance, Sheffield persevered, graduated, and became an active alumna. After graduation, Sheffield worked in various roles, including with the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Kenya, Ghana, and the Congo.
“`html
Bryant University Black History Highlights
Black Festivals Celebration: Bryant’s first Black Festivals Celebration was held in 1973 from February 7 to11. Organized by Wantu Wazuri and advisor and faculty member Delores McQueen, the celebration featured poetry readings, a Black dance workshop, theatrical performances, a guest lecture on Black Americans in aviation, “An Evening of Soul” with soul food and music, and a Gospel mass featuring members of the Ebenezer Baptist Choir.
Intercultural Center (ICC): Founded in 1977 to serve the needs of a small, primarily Black, multicultural student population at Bryant. Today, the ICC offers a range of cultural programs and activities while fostering diversity and inclusion among students on campus.
Ernest DeWitt ’81: In 1981, he capped a record-breaking career in Men’s Basketball by being named first team All-America and ECAC Division 2 Player of the Year.
Dr. William E. Trueheart ’96H: In 1989, he became the sixth president of Bryant and the first Black college president in New England, leading the university to significant strides.
Extravaganza Night: Bryant’s first “Extravaganza Night” was held in 1990 as part of its celebration of Black History Month, becoming one of Bryant’s most popular traditions.
“`
Parks is given an honorary degree on the Commencement stage.
1995: Civil Rights leader Rosa Louise Parks ’95H is awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Bryant University. Parks symbolizes strength, tenacity, and triumph, sparking a movement that changed the course of history. In her degree citation, she is recognized as the mother of the modern-day Civil Rights Movement in America and praised for her lifelong commitment to advancing human dignity and human rights.
A Bryant Business news story celebrating Angelou’s reading and performance.
1996: Memoirist, poet, scholar, and Civil Rights activist Maya Angelou speaks on campus in front of a sold-out crowd during Women’s History Month in March. Angelou sings, reads from her works of poetry, and shares personal experiences that shaped her life. “There’s a world of difference between being educated and being trained,” Angelou noted. “The most noble cause in the world is the liberation of the mind and spirit — beginning with our own.”
Hill was featured in the Archway for his work on the academic program.
2004: An interdisciplinary liberal arts minor in Africana/Black Studies is introduced. Student Charles Hill ’06, who initially proposed the minor, was instrumental in the creation of the new program, which examines the intellectual traditions of, and cultural contributions made by, people of African descent all over the world. “Becoming more aware of diverse backgrounds helps people in their personal endeavors and in the business world as well,” Hill said.
Snead speaks at the 2009 Women’s Summit.
2009: Cheryl Watkins Snead ’06H, president and CEO of Banneker Industries, Inc. receives the Women’s Summit New England Businesswoman of the Year Award from Bryant. A member of the Board of Trustees for Bryant, Snead was also a charter member of the Greater Providence RI Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, an international women’s organization that partnered with Bryant to pilot the LIFE Program, which introduces minority students to opportunities in international business and foreign affairs.
Black Women’s Blueprint held a Women of Color Conference in 2023.
2018: Two of Bryant’s foremost student-activist groups, Black Women’s Blueprint and W.O.K.E. Athletes, are founded. Black Women’s Blueprint provides inclusion and support to young women of color on campus through conferences, networking events, weekly meetings, and other opportunities. W.O.K.E. (Words of Knowledge Empower) Athletes works to create a safe space for student-athletes, giving them a voice of influence and aiding their holistic development to help them realize their passions, skills, and interests beyond their sport.
To learn more about Bryant’s history, and browse diverse materials produced by Bryant University students, faculty, and staff, visit digitalcommons.bryant.edu and the institution’s digital archives at digitalcommons.bryant.edu/library/.
Have your own special milestones to share as we celebrate Black History at Bryant University? Contact Deputy Editorial Director Casey Nilsson in Bryant’s Marketing and Communications Office at [email protected].
SOURCE: news.bryant.edu
