UAMS Celebrates Black History
UAMS staff and students participate in a game of bingo at the university’s Black History Month event March 12.
| March 17, 2015 | African-American heritage and tradition was celebrated at UAMS on March 12 at its annual Black History Month event.
The event, hosted by the Chancellor’s Diversity Committee and the UAMS Center for Diversity Affairs, was rescheduled from its original date in February due to winter weather. About 70 employees, staff and students took part in the afternoon’s activities.
Attendees enjoyed trivia and bingo, centered on black history, along with pizza and other refreshments. Answers to trivia questions and bingo squares highlighted various notable African-Americans, including Morgan Freeman, Nelson Mandela, Jimi Hendrix, Duke Ellington, Barack Obama and Maya Angelou. The contest winners received various prizes.
Marsha Davis, a vice president at Centennial Bank, returned as the event’s guest host.
Billy Thomas, M.D., M.P.H., vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion, said the event served to help educate participants on past achievements and the historical significance of contributions to our country from minorities and other marginalized populations.
Marsha Davis, a vice president at Centennial Bank, served as the event’s guest host.
“One of the primary aims was an increased awareness and sensitivity to racial, ethnic, gender and individual differences and how these differences are a very positive component of a diverse institutional environment, which is good for everyone,” Thomas said.