ASDA and SNDA Host Black History Month Dinner
Faculty, staff, residents, and students from Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) joined each other in the cafeteria of 100 East Newton Street on Wednesday, February 24, 2016, for the first ever Black History Month Dinner at GSDM. The event was organized by the Diversity and Inclusion Committee of GSDM’s chapter of the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) in coordination with the Student National Dental Association (SNDA).
The first ever Black History Month Dinner was attended by approximately 35 members of the GSDM community as well as several faculty, staff, students, and residents from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and Harvard University School of Dental Medicine. The GSDM event organizers opened up the Black History Month Dinner to the Tufts and Harvard communities in the spirit of inclusion and partnership.
“Cultural awareness is an important trait of a well-rounded profession,” said GSDM ASDA President Monica Schmidt. “Although the dinner was held to celebrate Black History Month, it brought to light the importance of having respect and appreciation for all individuals, irrespective of their color or heritage.”
The event began with an introduction by GSDM SNDA President Jobren Dingle and GSDM ASDA Diversity and Inclusion Committee Chair Nikkita Muwanguzi. The two talked about the meaning of Black History Month and delivered a presentation on Solomon Carter Fuller, a twentieth century psychiatrist, researcher, and medical educator who earned his medical degree at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) in 1897.
After the informative presentation, the approximately 35 attendees participated in an ice-breaker activity while enjoying the Senegalese food, which was provided by Teranga, a restaurant on Washington Street.
The two guest speakers for the evening spoke next. They were Dr. Larry Dunham, GSDM Director of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, and Clinical Assistant Professor and Department of General Dentistry; and Rev. Karlene Griffiths Sekou. They spoke about African-American culture and history, talking about the civil rights movement as well as the struggles that African-Americans still face in modern America.
After the two guest speakers, Debbie Desravines DMD 17 and Nikkita Muwanguzi DMD 17 delivered an inspirational spoken word piece and participated in a step-dance performance with GSDM SNDA President Jobren Dingle DMD 17.
The educational and thought-provoking Black History Month Dinner ended with a short trivia game, with the winner getting a prize. Throughout the evening, music dating back to the early twentieth century was played, offering various musical perspectives and creating an introspective atmosphere.
“I would like to thank everyone who had a hand in organizing the Black History Month Dinner,” said Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter. “GSDM is committed to celebrating diversity through knowledge and community, and the Black History Month Dinner was a wonderful example of this. I look forward to having GSDM host this dinner on an annual basis.”
Photos from the Black History Month Dinner can be found on Facebook.