Editors’ Note: This month, in celebration of those who have paved the way and continue to pave the way for civil rights and equality, we are featuring a Q&A with Black leaders, educators, artists and more.
Vickie Lynn is the creator and organizer of the annual Black Women in Business Expo Beloit. She has officially named the second Saturday in February ‘Black Herstory Day’ to celebrate the achievements of Black businesswomen. This year’s event, although different due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is scheduled for Saturday. There will be vendors, food and music at the Eclipse Music Center in Beloit.
Editors’ Note: This month, in celebration of those who have paved the way and continue to pave the way for civil rights and equality, we are featuring a Q&A with Black leaders, educators, artists and more.
Howard Spearman is Rock Valley College’s first Black president. Previously, he served as vice president for student affairs and chief student services officer for Madison College in Madison, Wisconsin. He agreed to a four-year contract beginning on Sept. 1 and ending on June 30, 2024.
Register Star: What does Black History Month mean to you personally?
Howard Spearman: When I think about that question, growing up in a predominantly white environment, I looked forward to Black History Month. I looked forward to learning more about my culture and celebrating my culture with others. It reminds me of our significance. And I ve always learned something new about Black culture.
In a challenging year, regional partners helped RVC persevere
Howard Spearman
I closed my first editorial after being named Rock Valley College’s eighth president by saying, “we are better together.” This is a sentiment that has rung true throughout the many challenges of 2020, and it is a sentiment that is going to be critical for RVC as we enter 2021.
Together we have adjusted to new ways of teaching and learning, and to an unfamiliar campus environment. The students are the lifeblood of our college, and these days we are missing that vibrancy. Our campuses are lonely. When we do see students on campus, we can’t see their faces behind their masks. Students can’t gather and socialize together. Our athletics teams have not competed since early March and some seasons have been completely lost. Our most celebrated day of each academic year, the commencement ceremony, had to be held virtually.