Black History Month

Message from Alexander Blumenberg, Executive Director for Belonging and Inclusion

Dear Elmhurst University Community,

As we gather to celebrate Black History Month, it is with great honor and humility that I welcome you to this special website dedicated to recognizing and reflecting on the rich history, achievements and enduring impact of African American alumni, faculty, staff and students at Elmhurst University. The theme for this month, Celebrating Our Past, Empowering Our Future, serves as a reminder of the resilience and unity that have defined our campus community through challenging times—both past and present.

In today’s climate, we face unique difficulties that test our strength and resolve. Yet, as we reflect on our history, we remember that we have weathered difficult times before, finding our greatest strength in togetherness. Elmhurst University has always been a place where diversity of thought, culture and experience are embraced, and this month serves as an opportunity to foster a greater sense of belonging for every student.

This page is dedicated not only to celebrating the accomplishments of those who came before us, but also to shining a light on the incredible work being done by current students, faculty and staff. Their efforts continue to empower, engage and inspire future generations of Bluejays, ensuring that Elmhurst remains a welcoming and inclusive space for all.

Together, we stand in solidarity—celebrating the past, while empowering the future.

Adekemi DosunmuAdekemi Dosunmu, Pre-Law Advisor at Elmhurst University

Can you share a brief overview of your role at Elmhurst University and how your work supports or contributes to the advancement of African-American communities on and off campus?

At Elmhurst, my main role is serving as the pre-law advisor located in the WCCPE. In this role and in my role as instructor of CPP 298 – Exploring the Legal Profession, I am able to connect students with African-American professionals throughout the legal profession and show them that there is a large community of successful professionals in this field that they can learn from.

What drives your passion for advocating for or supporting our students, specifically the African-American race and culture? Could you share any personal experiences or influences that fuel this commitment?

“Community” has just always been important to me. Being able to give back has just always been something that I was drawn to probably since before college. Outside of Elmhurst, I do work throughout the community with my sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. And I volunteer as a local Girl Scout leader, and one of our main things is that we make sure that service to the community is part of the values that we instill into the girls in our troop.

In a perfect world, what changes or initiatives would you like to see implemented at Elmhurst University to further uplift the Elmhurst community and promote inclusivity?

I would love to see Elmhurst continue to expand and host centers like El Centro for other minority groups on campus. I went to a large university where most minority groups had an official on-campus house or center where they could come to relax and study within an atmosphere of community and also benefit from programming geared towards helping them succeed.

What is one specific project, program or initiative you’ve been a part of that you believe has made a significant impact on fostering equity, inclusion and belonging for our student community at Elmhurst?

This fall we introduced a new program in partnership with El Centro entitled Navigating the Professional World as a Person of Color. We brought African-American and Latino professionals from the areas of law, medicine and business to give insight on what it’s like to navigate those rooms when you might be the only person who looks like you. The event was well-attended and had great feedback, and it’s a program we plan to do annually going forward.

Can you share an inspirational quote, message or line of encouragement that has personally helped you through challenging times and could resonate with others on a tough day?

Because of the nature of my work, I like to remind my students that their work is a long-term goal. So, let’s start by writing that down somewhere that we can have it to refer back to. When we get frustrated or disappointed with the smaller steps, it’s great to have that to go back to, to look at and to then verbally remind ourselves that we have a larger plan and this small set-back should not deter us from our ultimate goal.

Upcoming Events at Elmhurst University

Student Involvement Fair

Founders Lounge, Frick Center
February 6, 2025
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Come learn about cultural organizations on campus.

Beauty Supply Store Shuttle Service

February 8, 2025
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Enjoy a shuttle bus service to the beauty supply store for your hair care needs.

NAACP Membership Drive

Prospect Room, Frick Center
February 12, 2025
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Learn more about the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

Baggie and Bae with SGRho and BSU

Alexander Room, Frick Center
February 14, 2025
10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
A Valentine’s event with Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc and Black Student Union where students can make bags for Valentine’s Day!

Black History Heritage Month Celebration

Frick Center Cafeteria
February 18, 2025
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Come eat Black cultural cuisine and meet our new head Chef. Food payment required.

Afro-Latinidad: Celebrating Intersectional Identities

El Centro, Niebuhr Hall
February 18, 2025
11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

MLK Lecture

Founders Lounge, Frick Center
February 19, 2025
4:00 p.m.
In celebration of the Martin Luther King Jr. Intercultural Lecture, please join us in welcoming Nikki Romain, Executive Director, Artists ReEnvisioning Tomorrow Inc. who will present From Dream to Action: Building Communities That Inspire Change.

Food for Thought with Inclusion and Belonging and BSU

Alexander Room, Frick Center
February 21, 2025
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Experience delicious foods from three Black owned restaurants and hear from the owners about their journey to entrepreneurship and mingle with Elmhurst Alumni, Faculty, Staff and Students.

Campus Resource Fair

Founders Lounge, Frick Center
February 27, 2025
11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Meet with the Office of Equity and Inclusion and the new Executive Director for Belonging and Inclusion!

Braids, Beats and Bonds with Inclusion and Belonging and BSU

Prospect Room, Frick Center
February 28, 2025
3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Enjoy a cultural experience while learning to braid hair from a licensed professional. Also, learn content creation for social media!

Upcoming Events at the Chicago West Community Music Center (CWCMC)

Celebrating Black Composers of Classical Music

19th Century Charitable Association of Oak Park
178 Forest Ave, Oak Park, IL
Saturday, February 8, 2025
1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Black History Month Celebration in the
Village of Oak Park

Re-Imagining R&B Music

Garfield Park Fieldhouse
100 N. Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL
Saturday, February 15, 2025
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Re-Imagining Contemporary Black American Music

110 N. Wacker Drive Building (Bank of America Tower)
Thursday, February 20, 2025
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Black History Month Presentation

Breaking Barriers, Building Futures: The New Blueprint for Success

Gleacher Center
450 N Cityfront Plaza Dr, Chicago, IL
Monday, February 24, 2025
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Celebrate Black History Month. Connect with trailblazers. Gain insights to overcome challenges. Fast-track your success. Elevate your career and expand your network!

Oak Brook Library Spring Concert

Oak Brook Public Library
600 Oak Brook Road, Oak Brook, IL
Sunday, April 27, 2025
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Photo Gallery

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