The report from the university’s Black Lumen Project celebrates the milestones and contributions of Black students, faculty and staff at Elon.
Elon University’s Black Lumen Project has released the inaugural Black Experience at Elon Report, a spotlight on the contributions and achievements of Black students, faculty and staff at Elon and an overview of a wide range of initiatives around inclusive excellence that are underway on campus.
The report was guided by Professor Buffie Longmire-Avital, the first director of the Black Lumen Project, with the assistance of multiple campus partners, and follows the creation of the Black Lumen Project in 2021. The Black Lumen Project is an initiative to enhance the Black experience at Elon in the pursuit of equity and to move the university further in its commitment to inclusive excellence.
“This report celebrates the dynamic contributions Black students, faculty, staff, and alumni continue to give,” Longmire-Avital said. “Elon has been undoubtedly shaped by the Black community. And as highly visible and vocal advocates for Elon’s ongoing investment in inclusive excellence, this report also generates opportunities for dialogue about how to effectively support the areas with greatest growth potential.”
The release coincides with Juneteenth, which is a day of both celebration and reflection. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that enslaved people were free, more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. This year marks the third year Juneteenth has been recognized as a federal holiday.
Detailing the programmatic efforts of the Division of Inclusive Excellence, the report offers a snapshot of the Black campus community and outlines the Black experience on campus within the framework of Boldly Elon, the university’s 10-year strategic plan.
“This report is part of our ongoing efforts at Elon to raise awareness about the Black experience on campus and to champion the achievements of so many members of our university community,” said President Connie Ledoux Book. “Along with insights into where we are today, this report will reflect on where we want to be in the future. We are committed to creating an environment where all students, faculty, and staff feel valued, supported, and empowered.”