Feb. 2, 2007 Communique

UCCS to celebrate African American history

The dean of the College of Education at UCCS, a leading researcher in African-American history, will give the keynote address at a Feb. 23 event celebrating African American History Month.

La Vonne Neal, dean, College of Education, will deliver “Communalism: Through Collaboration African Americans Can Overcome Crippling Obstacles of Slavery.” The celebration will begin at 4 p.m. in Room 116 of the University Center with a welcome by Chancellor Pam Shockley-Zalabak.

The event is free and open to the public. Reservations are requested and can be made by calling 262-3613. UCCS and the African-American Voice are event co-sponsors.

In her comments, Neal will discuss the work of John Hope Franklin, a noted African American historian, who studied famous African American scholars Booker T. Washington, W.E. B. Dubois, and James Weldon Johnson. She will contrast their historical perspectives with current scholarly works including concepts of post traumatic slave syndrome.

“African Americans sustained psychological and emotional injury as a result of slavery,” Neal said. “The trauma continues and will not cease unless there is intervention.”

Neal describes her comments as an upbeat conversation that will reflect upon the resilience of African Americans and how that strength can be used to build a positive future.

Named as dean in summer 2005, Neal led efforts to improve cultural sensitivity in education curriculum and developed a national Black History Month curriculum called “Freedom’s Song:100 Years of African American Struggle and Triumph.” Neal’s career includes service in the U.S. Army and in private business in addition to serving as a middle school teacher and university scholar whose work focuses on the academic performance of African-American males.

She holds a bachelor’s degree from LaSalle University, Philadelphia, and masters and doctoral degrees from the University of Texas at Austin. The Philadelphia native was a star athlete and member of USA Track, competing in the 100-meter hurdles.