Martin University Opens Racial Equity Center

Martin University will host a Juneteenth event this Friday and unveil its newest move to address racial injustice.

The university's new National Center for Racial Equity and Inclusion will host workshops, lectures, programs and initiatives for addressing diversity, equity and inclusion. Martin University President Sean Huddleston said the fight for equity in education began in 1837 with the founding of the first historically Black college and university, or HBCU.

“There really wasn't until 1965, colleges and universities that focused on African-Americans, were recognized by the federal government as HBCUs; and then not until 2008, predominantly Black institutions received that recognition or designation from the federal government,” Huddleston said.

Hear more of Terri Dee's conversation with Martin University President Sean Huddleston

Huddleston believes there is still much work that needs to be done.

“So, there is this situation in which we have these periods of time for things to catch up, that are meant to try to address and eradicate racial inequity, injustice and racism in general,” he said.

The Juneteenth event will include presentations and community listening sessions. Martin University is Indiana’s predominantly Black institution of higher education, serving Black and low income, minority and adult students.

For more information, go to www.ncrei.martin.edu