By Tauchiana Vanderbilt
The Black Student Caucus, chaired by Tamsin Woolley, recognized African American faculty and staff with a luncheon on February 25, in celebration of Black History Month.
One of the honored guests in attendance was former faculty member Hortense McClinton. In 1966, Mrs. McClinton became the first Black professor at UNC. She taught in the School of Social Work for 18 years.
The event offered an opportunity for students to connect and meet with faculty and staff in various areas of the School and celebrate Black heritage. During a special presentation to the students, staff members Linda Pridgen-Braswell and Vanessa Mitchell shared words of encouragement and appreciation for the African American students’ presence and activism in the School. “This is the first time that students have recognized faculty and staff,” noted Pridgen-Braswell, who along with Mitchell have served as staff for over 20 years. Many in attendance enjoyed the opportunity and said they look forward to the luncheon being an annual event.
In addition to the luncheon, the Black Student Caucus participated in several other events throughout the month of February. Other events included a trip to the International Civil Rights Museum in Greensboro, co-sponsored with the Social Justice Caucus, and an Alvin Ailey Performance at Memorial Hall.