Recognizing Black History Month offers us the opportunity to consciously reflect on and celebrate the achievements
and legacies of African Americans and individuals of African descent. It is as a powerful
reminder of the resilience of those who fought for equality and progress toward a
more unified society.
Beyond honoring the past, Black History Month gives us a chance to advance dialogue and understanding as we confront historical
injustices while embracing the richness of Black culture and achievements, thus reaffirming
our responsibility as caretakes of an inclusive future that honors Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr.'s “Five Pillars of Promise.”
Sign the SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech Unity Pledge
Chancellor King and the SUNY Board of Trustees Statement on Black History Month
“The history of African Americans is the history of America. It is a history of struggles
and successes, of unspeakable injustice and joyous triumph, of the fight for freedom
and equality, and of the quest to build a truly just nation where all can thrive.
“Access to education is a foundational necessity if we are to learn the lessons of
the past and take the steps necessary to build a society that empowers and uplifts
us all. That is core to SUNY’s mission, and it is enshrined in our history. Our founding
statute directs us: ‘to provide to the people of New York educational services of the highest quality,
with the broadest possible access, fully representative of all segments of the population.’
“At SUNY, we take pride in our faculty and staff and in supporting all our students
to reach their full potential and achieve their dreams through an affordable, excellent
education, workforce development, and world-class research that improves lives and
shines a light on disparities in health and other sectors. We work to uplift all of
our students and to provide them with the tools, the experience, and the knowledge
they will need to be good citizens of this state and leaders within their communities.
From courses offered throughout the SUNY system on African American history to the Harriet Tubman Center for Freedom and Equity located at the State University of New York at Binghamton, we are proud to help expose
students to the incredible diversity that makes New York the Empire State and support
every student on their journey of academic and personal growth.
“This Black History Month, let us reflect on all parts of our nation’s history, on
the promise of freedom, and on the never-ending mission to achieve justice. And let
us see well-rounded education, a spirit of civic inclusivity, and a habit of courage
as tools to help us take action to build a better, fairer society for all.”
SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech is committed to creating a community of practice that fosters the exchange of ideas in a respectful and non-threatening way, and creates better understanding, awareness, and opportunities to learn from each other.
We reject bigotry, hateful speech, oppression, harassment, bullying, and all forms of injustice.
We believe in the inherent dignity of each person. We value fairness, civility, and kindness. We listen to, encourage, and support each other. We seek to instill in our faculty, staff and students a lifelong appreciation for the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion so that we can create a better world.
Why Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Matters:
SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech Strategic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plan 2017-2022
We acknowledge that SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech, located in Schoharie County, New York,
resides on the ancestral territory of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and
the Kanienʼkehá꞉ka (Mohawk People).
We recognize and honor the enduring presence and resilience of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy
and the Kanienʼkehá꞉ka, who have been stewards of this land for more than a millennium.
We extend our gratitude for their contributions and commitment to the land, culture,
and history of this region.
We acknowledge the ongoing struggle in the pursuit of justice and the importance of
honoring the sovereignty, ancestral lands, and treaty rights of the Haudenosaunee
Confederacy and the Kanienʼkehá꞉ka. We commit ourselves to fostering respectful relationships
and promoting understanding, collaboration, and reconciliation between Indigenous
and non-Indigenous peoples. May our collective efforts be fortified through mutual
respect, cooperation, and dignity.
Are you interested in becoming a part of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council?