Prominent Scholar Leads Black History Month Discussion about Race, Gender, and Culture

Jennifer Edwards ’21, a forensic science major, always looks forward to Black History Month events and the opportunity to take part in engaging discussions about race, history, and society. That’s why she attended a recent talk on campus by Dr. Kamille Gentles-Peart, an interdisciplinary scholar whose work examines gender and culture.

"This event was important because often we overlook the history of Black female bodies," she said. "It’s great to shed light on the importance of removing the stigma associated with Black bodies."

An associate professor of communication and media studies at Roger Williams University, Dr. Gentles-Peart’s research focuses on the perceptions of Black Caribbean women in the United States.

"Black women are not monolithic," she said. "We are shaped by things like ethnicity. Not all celebrations of Black bodies are emancipatory."

"Black History Month is a time to start speaking about the true history of Black Americans and their remarkable contributions."Dayquan Garrett ’20 M.A.

Hosted by the University of New Haven’s Myatt Center for Diversity and Inclusion, Dr. Gentles-Peart visited the University as part of the Center’s annual lecture honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It was also one of the many events planned as part of the University’s celebration of Black History Month.

"It’s time to recognize Black women’s pain, but also to talk about how to uplift them," said Dayquan Garrett ’20 M.A., a candidate in the University’s community psychology graduate program. "Black History Month is a time to start speaking about the true history of Black Americans and their remarkable contributions."

Students filled the Myatt Center, eager to hear Dr. Gentles-Peart’s message and to facilitate discussion and understanding.

"This talk is important because it helps people to understand what Black women are going through and what it’s like to be a Black woman in America," said Jahniya Morris ’21, a music industry major. "This was a great way celebrate Black History Month."