Missouri Southern’s Social Work Department will host a community event in observance of Black History Month from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25, in the Mills Anderson Justice Center auditorium.
The theme for the event is “Addressing Black Health and Wellness: Understanding Systemic Barriers to Inclusion.” Dola Flake, a 2011 MSSU graduate who is a master’s-level social worker and founder of Joplin for Justice, will be the keynote speaker.
Learning objectives for the event include enhancing cultural sensitivity and awareness; understanding intersectionality; increasing understanding of disparities impacting the health of Black people in the U.S.; and raising awareness for the value of diversity, equity and inclusion.
“It is our goal to unite students, staff and community through engagement, knowledge, and healthy discussion to evolve us as leaders of our awesome community,” said Heather Eckhart, social work field coordinator at Missouri Southern.
The event is free and open to the public.