Black Student Union Ushers in Black History Month with Special Guest Dr. Khalilah L. Brown-Dean

On Friday, February 7, the Black Student Union (BSU) kicked off Black History Month with a presentation about its history, and an address from special guest Dr. Khalilah L. Brown-Dean, a leader in academia, a social justice advocate, and a current Hopkins parent. 

Co-Heads Elissa M. ’25, Avonna W. ’25, and Lucio K. ’25 introduced the origins of Black History Month and spoke of its enduring message in culture. “We gather to celebrate, educate, and uplift the history and contributions of Black people in our country,” Elissa said. 

The students also announced the theme of “Black Excellence.”

“We chose this [Black Excellence] because it’s important to recognize that Black history is not just a reflection of struggle, but also of resilience, brilliance, and the unshakable truth that we belong in every space we enter,” Lucio explained.

After the co-heads’ presentation, BSU members Azikiwe O. ’25, Anoa D. ’28, and Jaiden C. ’28 spoke about what Black History Month and Black excellence meant to them.

Following the student presentation, Pathfinder Dean of Students, Athletic Department Associate, and English teacher Dante Brito, Jr. introduced Dr. Khalilah L. Brown-Dean. As the Rob Rosenthal Distinguished Professor of Civic Engagement and the inaugural Executive Director of the Allbritton Center for the Study of Public Life at Wesleyan University, Dr. Brown-Dean brings over two decades of academic leadership, civic engagement, and national policy impact. In her speech, Dr. Brown-Dean grounded her words in Dr. Martin Luther King’s message about showing up for one another in the pursuit of justice and freedom. She spoke to the Hopkins community about solidarity, activism, and advocacy—empowering students with the belief that anything is possible for them.

“I stand before you this morning as a full professor, less than one half of 1% of professors in this country who identify the way that I do hold that rank,” Dr. Brown-Dean said. “I say that to you not to brag, but to remind you that even when people doubt you, you can persist.”

A distinguished thought leader, Dr. Brown-Dean’s extensive social justice work includes championing justice reform efforts as a Senior Justice Advocacy Fellow for the Open Society Foundations, launching the voter engagement initiative Party at the Polls, and serving as the award-winning host of DISRUPTED, a Connecticut Public Radio show and podcast that explores the forces shaping our world. 

This assembly kickoff was just the beginning of Hopkins’ Black History Month celebrations. “BSU will host guest speakers, panel discussions, movie nights, and a very fun spirit week,” announced Avonna. “But most importantly, we want everyone—Black students and allies alike—to engage, learn, and uplift each other.”

See the BSU’s Instagram page, @hopkinsbsu, for the calendar of upcoming events.