Berkeley College "Beyond Black History Month" Panel Highlights Challenges and Opportunities for Black Professionals
Friday, February 26, 2021
Senior Associate, Media Relations
973-200-1048
Chanel-Donaldso@BerkeleyCollege.edu
Photo caption: Berkeley College faculty, associates and alumni Iessa J. Sutton, Campus Operating Officer, Newark and Woodbridge Campuses; Traci Dingle, JD, PhD, Professor, Justice Studies and Legal Studies; Yanique Francis, Partnerships Director, Upbeat; Byron K. Hargrove, PhD, Director, Honors Program and Professor, Psychology and Social Sciences; Kimberly M. Malone, Dean, Academic Advisement; Sherrille Shabazz, EdD, Associate Dean, Student Development and Campus Life; and Romel Roachford, Director, Center for Academic Success take part in “Beyond Black History Month: Uplifting Black Voices,” a virtual forum focused on building awareness about race, navigating inequities, how to approach challenges and opportunities, and overcoming racism.
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A panel discussion hosted by Berkeley College on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, gathered faculty, staff and alumni for an honest dialogue about the experiences of Black professionals, and how they addressed the challenges and opportunities they have faced in establishing their careers.
Titled “Beyond Black History Month: Uplifting Black Voices,” the 90-minute discussion was hosted by the Office of Student Development and Campus Life, and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force as a part of the College’s month-long virtual Black History celebrations.
“We want everyone to be open minded and willing to process other opinions in a respectful manner,” said Dallas Reed, PhD, Vice President, Student Development and Campus Life, and Co-Chair, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force.
The intent of the event was to build awareness about the experiences of Black professionals and to provide an understanding of racism and ways to approach racial challenges and misconceptions.
“Race-related stress is real,” said Byron K. Hargrove, PhD, Director, Honors Program and Professor, Psychology and Social Sciences, Division of General Education. “These are real things that we’re dealing with every day in the news, in our homes, in our conversations on Zoom. These are real things that exist and have an impact mentally.”
The panelists delved into topics like hair discrimination, racial microaggressions, and being passed over for promotions as some of the challenges they have navigated throughout their careers.
“I’ve had to go as far as adjusting my accent because of some of these inequities. There is a misconception that I am not as professional as my peers,” said Romel Roachford, Director, Center for Academic Success, who is a recent immigrant from the Caribbean island of St. Lucia.
Discussion moderator Kimberly M. Malone, Dean, Academic Advisement, asked panelists to reflect on traits and strategies that have helped them overcome such challenges.
Sherrille Shabazz, EdD, Associate Dean, Student Development and Campus Life, said, “When people tell me ‘I can’t,’ I say I can. I never give up. I’m very determined and focused and I refuse to give up.”
“You have to build relationships with folks that are going to be your champions when you’re not in the room,” said Yanique Francis, Berkeley College alumna and Partnerships Director at Upbeat, an organization that works with K-12 school districts to minimize teacher turnover. Francis later added, “There are a ton of people that you can have as mentors. Have diverse people in your corner, both formal mentors and informal relationships that you cultivate.”
Berkeley College Campus Operating Officer, Newark and Woodbridge campuses, Iessa J. Sutton, also emphasized the importance of mentorship and networking for career advancement as a Black professional. “Your mentor will guide, direct and steer you in the right direction,” said Sutton. “You want to find a way to connect and use the resources at your fingertips … Connect to someone who can make an introduction on your behalf and work your way in. You also want to build on relationships.”
Along with more traditional Black History Month events that focus on celebrating the achievements of historical figures, the culture at Berkeley College recognizes and uplifts faculty and associates who bring Berkeley College’s mission to life. For example, the College’s 90th Anniversary Committee launched a series titled “A Moment in Black History at Berkeley College,” that acknowledges Black faculty and associates virtually for their contributions to the College, through regular emails to the entire Berkeley community.
In July 2020, Berkeley College established a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force in order to remain responsive to local and national challenges of racial equality, systemic racism and social justice. The 12-member Task Force, comprised of faculty, staff and administrators, has been in close contact with all members of the Berkeley College community, including students and alumni.
“2020 was a year that begged us to look at the world not as a Black issue or as a White issue, but as a human issue,” said Traci Dingle, JD, PhD, Professor, Justice Studies and Legal Studies. “Have dialogue, be open to understanding or listening to the different realities of individuals, be flexible in your mindset.”
In June 2020, Berkeley College President Michael J. Smith was one of 56 New Jersey college and university presidents to sign a statement by the New Jersey Presidents’ Council, seeking to combat systemic racism and foster inclusive communities. The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force recently conducted a Campus Climate Survey to better understand student, faculty and staff perceptions and experiences with diversity, equity and inclusion at Berkeley College, and to explore optimum ways to advance these essential priorities.
Berkeley College celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2021. The theme commemorating this milestone is “Empowering Lives for 90 Years!” Visit the 90th Anniversary webpage for more information.
About Berkeley College
Berkeley College, founded in 1931, is a career-focused institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that offers students Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Associate’s degree and Certificate programs in more than 20 career fields. The College also offers continuing education programs to enhance career credentials.
Berkeley College has campuses in Midtown Manhattan and White Plains, NY, as well as in Newark, Paramus, Woodbridge and Woodland Park, NJ, with more than 4,900 students enrolled. In addition, Berkeley College Online® serves a global population. U.S. News & World Report has named Berkeley College among the Best Colleges for Online Bachelor’s Programs and among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans, for eight consecutive years. The website address is www.BerkeleyCollege.edu
The mission of Berkeley College is to empower students to achieve lifelong success in dynamic careers.
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