Black Community Initiatives

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DEI Action Plan

Our mission with Black Community Initiatives is to seek to uplift Black people and communities at the University of Denver. We are guided by the question, “How can we ensure that Black-identified faculty, staff, and students not only choose DU but also feel a profound sense of ownership and belonging here?” We strive to make the University of Denver a destination for Black community members to thrive by providing access to resources, community engagement, and programming that celebrates Black life, culture, and history. As an initiative, we are dedicated to addressing the specific challenges Black communities face by promoting restoration, justice, and equity. We work to educate the larger university community and create opportunities for Black students, faculty, staff, alumni, and external community members to connect, engage, and build relationships that foster success.

As part of its DEI action plan, DU continues to commit resources to address its historically inconsistent and uneven support of our Black community members. The primary goal through these efforts is to weave an inclusion of Black people and all they bring throughout the University’s culture and structures. Our intention is that members of our Black communities can unapologetically bring their full and authentic selves to the institution and thrive while being vital parts of the growth and excellence of the University of Denver. We endeavor to create space for them to do so both individually and collectively, now and into the future.

John Miller, IV, M.E.d.

Associate Director of Black Community Initiatives, DEI

Son. Brother. Uncle. Friend. Mentor.

John Miller IV (he/him) is the new Associate Director of Black Community Initiatives at the University of Denver. As an inclusion educator, he seeks to develop an affirming environment for others to build their understanding of cultural humility. He also utilizes his ancestral radical Black imagination to advocate for the liberation of minoritized communities within systems of oppression.

John's professional philosophy is centered on the Ubuntu proverb, “I am because you are and, since you are, therefore, I am.” As a person-centered, intersectional practitioner, he is passionate about Black identity, organizational transformation, immersive programming, and integrating the Arts into his practice. His life motto is “Adinkrahene. AYA. Sankofa.” (Lead. Endure. Remember.)

Originally from Charleston, SC, John gains his foundation from the strong Black women throughout his life. John holds a master’s in higher education administration and a bachelor’s in psychology with a concentration in arts entrepreneurship, both from North Carolina State University. Before this role, John brings a wealth of experience from Duke University, North Carolina State University, Elon University, and the University of Colorado Boulder.

Any questions can be directed DU.BCI@ngskmc-eis.net

Past and Upcoming Events

Visit our BHM website for more information

View the Event Program here

Registration and information here

January 16th, 5:30pm - 6:45pm | Breathing Together: Connective Conversations about Racial Justice + Moon Gentle Yoga | In Partnership with Urban Sanctuary

Indulge in tranquility and nurture your well-being with a 30 minute connective conversation centered around racial healing followed by a moon gentle yoga class hosted by Shanté Lamping. Designed to soothe both the body and mind, this class gently guides you through a series of restful postures, encouraging deep relaxation and enhanced flexibility. Immerse yourself in a serene atmosphere, allowing the calming poses and mindful breathwork to rejuvenate your spirit and leave you feeling centered and restored. Comfy clothing is suggested, yoga mat (some provided) and a water bottle needed.
January 16th, 11:30am - 1:00pm | Day of Racial Healing Panel: Critical Conversations to Coalition Building

Join us on January 16, 2024, from 11:30 AM to 1 PM at the University of Denver for a special Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration event – Day of Racial Healing Panel. Engage in an enlightening lunch and learn session featuring our community members sharing insights and fostering critical dialogue for racial coalition building. Enjoy a delicious meal provided by a local Black-owned caterer. Let's honor Dr. King's legacy by advancing dialogue and solidarity.
CANCELLED | Marching Together in the Marade (MLK Jr. Parade)

CANCELLED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER

Come march with the DU community in the MLK Jr. Marade. DU community members can meet us on location or sign up for the shuttle from campus. The marade festivities starts at 9:30 AM and you will have to arrive by 9 AM. The will shuttle leave DU at 8:45 AM. The Marade event is approximately 3 hours so you can expect to be done around 1 PM.

We expect the weather to be chilly but we welcome you to bring your family and friends to march with us!
November 16th, 2023: 4:00pm - 6:00pm | BCI & Black @ BCI Faculty/Staff Mixer

Join us for our collaborative Black Community Initiatives & Black @ DU Mixer for Black-identifying faculty and staff on November 16, 2023, from 4 - 6 PM on the 4^th floor of the Community Commons. This event is designed to provide an opportunity for Black-identifying faculty and staff to connect with one another, build community, and learn more about what DU has to offer.

This mixer is designed to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus by creating a space for Black-identifying faculty and staff to celebrate their accomplishments and empower one another to create positive change within the university.

Refreshments (alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages) and heavy Hors d’oeuvres will be provided. We look forward to seeing you at this exciting event!
November 2nd, 2023: 4:30pm - 6:00pm | BCI Scholarly Show & Tell | Chambers 190

The "BCI Scholarly Show & Tell" is a platform that shines a spotlight on the outstanding contributions made by Black faculty and staff members at the University of Denver. This event offers a space for these exceptional Black scholars to present their multifaceted research, scholarly endeavors, creative works, and accomplishments through concise 5-minute mini-presentations. Following these engaging presentations, we extend a warm invitation to attendees to mingle and engage in informal discussions.

Our aspiration is that activities of this nature will bring us a step closer to gaining insights into the innovative work within our respective fields and create opportunities for the exchange of ideas. Light refreshments and a variety of beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, will be available for both our attendees and presenters to enjoy.
CANCELLED | October 28th, 2023: 3:00pm - 6:00pm | Hocktober Black Communities Space | Burwell Center First Floor

EVENT CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER

BCI (Black Community Initiatives), in partnership with the Black Alumni Association, wants to invite you to an intentional gathering space meant for bringing Black Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Undergraduate & Graduate students, and the folx in community with them together during the HocktoberFESTival.

The space is an extension of the festival that will feature Black-owned games, beer and wine, and performances. You will also be able to learn about what is happening with the on-campus Black communities since you have been away from campus.
October 26th, 2023: 4:00-6:00pm | BCI & Black @ BCI Faculty/Staff Mixer

Join us for our collaborative Black Community Initiatives & Black @ DU Mixer for Black-identifying faculty and staff on October 26, 2023, from 4 - 6 PM in DFRV 195. This event is designed to provide an opportunity for Black-identifying faculty and staff to connect with one another, build community, and learn more about what DU has to offer.

This mixer is designed to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus by creating a space for Black-identifying faculty and staff to celebrate their accomplishments and empower one another to create positive change within the university.

Refreshments (non-alcoholic beverages) and heavy Hors d’oeuvres will be provided. We look forward to seeing you at this exciting event!
September 9th, 2023, 12:00pm - 3:00pm | Welcome Black Cookout!

Pull up on us at the Welcome Black Cookout! Join us on September 9 from 12 PM - 3 PM for food, fun, and music in DFRV 195. We invite students (undergraduate & graduate) students, faculty, staff, and alumni to help us welcome the new Black community members to campus.