Luther College invites public to celebrate Black History Month

Luther College will host a series of events to commemorate Black History Month in February. The events include a keynote lecture, a panel discussion and social gatherings held at local businesses. The events are open to the public.

“Black History Month is an opportunity for our campus and the wider Decorah community to reflect on the histories, contributions and resilience of Black communities,” said Khadija Ramadan ’26, president of the Black Student Union (BSU) at Luther College. “Through these events, we hope to create spaces for learning, dialogue and celebration, and we invite students, faculty and community members to join us in recognizing the enduring impact of Black history on our shared society.”

Black History Month Keynote Address, “Misinvalidation: The Space between Hearing and Believing,” Wednesday, Feb. 25, 7 p.m., Recital Hall, Center for Faith and Life (CFL)

Steven D. Kniffley Jr., a licensed clinical psychologist, associate professor and higher education administrator, will give the Black History Month Keynote Address at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 25 in the Recital Hall at the Center for Faith and Life at Luther College.

In this program, Steven D. Kniffley Jr. will examine how misinvalidation — hearing without believing — shapes the experiences of Black and other minoritized communities and will offer practical tools to strengthen belonging, trust and inclusive engagement across campus. This event is sponsored by the Center for Intercultural Engagement and Support (CIES) at Luther College.

Kniffley is a licensed clinical psychologist, associate professor and higher education administrator. His area of expertise is research and clinical work with Black males and the treatment of race-based stress and trauma. Kniffley has written numerous books, book chapters and articles on Black male mental health, Black males and the criminal justice system, racial trauma treatment and training, program evaluation, organizational diversity and academic achievement.

Currently, Kniffley serves as the vice president for diversity for the Ohio Psychological Association. He also serves on the National Board for the Association of Black Psychologists. Most recently, Kniffley was inducted into the Black Psychologist Hall of Fame at Hampton University.

Panel Discussion: Black Joy in the Midwest, Thursday, Feb. 12, 6 p.m., Recital Hall, CFL

Luther’s Department of Identity Studies will host a panel discussion focused on Black joy in the Midwest featuring speakers from around the region. Speakers include Ashley Howard, assistant professor of history at the University of Iowa; Eugene Tesdahl, professor of history at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville; Frank King, associate professor of history at UW-Platteville; and Mark Guerci, assistant professor at Luther College. The panel discussion is sponsored by the Department of Identity Studies and the Lucille Brickner Brown Price Lecture.

Established by Lucille B. Price, the Price Distinguished Lecture Series is held in recognition of the value of a liberal arts education for women as they become leaders in today’s society. The fund supports speakers who illustrate the roles, contributions, programs and achievements of women as leaders in society.

Bowling, Friday, Feb. 13, 8 p.m., KingPin Entertainment Center, 400 Heivly St., Decorah

The BSU is sponsoring bowling for Luther students at KingPin. Transportation will be provided. Students should meet at 7:30 p.m. at the Dahl Centennial Union.

Cultural Community Connections, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 5 p.m., The Landing Market, 211 College Drive, Decorah

For February’s Cultural Community Connections event, the BSU members will cook a meal featuring jerk chicken, fried rice and plantains with puff balls (puff puff) for dessert. The cost is $10 per person or $5 for students (with ID) attending any college or university and for children 17 and younger. No reservations are needed. This event is held through a partnership between CIES, The Landing Market and BSU.