Honoring Black educators during Black History month and every month

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Black History month is from February 1-March 1 and while it's during this month specifically we look to the contributions of our Black brothers and sisters, we should highlight Black greatness every month. 

In the College of Music and Media, Black professors are making an impact in the lives of their students every day with insightful and carefully curated classes.

We reflect on how, in the past, it was illegal to teach Black people. It could mean death if you were known to read and write or if you were caught teaching. In essence, becoming an educator and being Black was a revolutionary act but throughout our American history Black educators continued to teach because it was so important.

Black educators at Loyola ensure that their students are successful, have a positive racial identity and a sense of purpose combined. Not only is it crucial to give our Black educators a long-overdue recognition, but it also helps to remind us of how far the educational system has come – and far we have left to go. As educators, we should be at the forefront of acknowledging how much the black community has endured being an active part of the American education system.

Below we would like to highlight and thank 10 Loyola College of Music and Media professors in the areas of music, theatre, dance and communications. Get to know them a little and if you see them around campus make sure to say Hi!

1. U-P "Lovell" Cooper-Professor of Practice  (Hip Hop & R&B) and Recording Studios Facilities Coordinator

(Music Industry Studies)

2. Ivan Griffin-Vocal Instructor (Music) 

3. Ty Lawson-The Marion M. and John S. Stokes Jr Visiting Professor in Race and Culture in Media (Communication and Design)

4. Will Hornton-Instructor, Cinematography (Communication and Design)

5.  Dr. Sheryl Kennedy Haydel -Director of the School of Communication and Design

6. Olivia Scott-Professor of Advertising (Communication and Design)

7. Raney M. Antoine Jr.-Professor of Practice, Hip Hop & RB (Music Industry Studies)

8. Amina Scott-Instructor, Contemporary Ensemble, Bass (Music) 

9. Jasmine Williams-Adjunct Professor / Lighting Designer (Theatre, Arts and Dance) 

10. Kai Knight-Professor of Dance (Theatre, Arts and Dance)