Honoring Black History Month at WPI: A Celebration of Legacy and Community
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) celebrates Black History Month (2025) by honoring the vibrant culture, heritage, and significant contributions of Black Americans. This month invites us all to pause and reflect on the deep-rooted traditions, innovations, and legacies that have shaped our past and continue to guide our collective future.
Shaping and guiding young minds toward the path of equality and inclusion transforms society, fostering an environment free from prejudice. Together, we can create a world where unity and collective celebration are at the heart of progress. What we do now will be remembered for generations to come.
— Viraj V. Samant, Graduate Assistant for the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME)
Building a Future Together
There is a power of unity and the importance of coming together to embrace our differences. Our strength lies in our diversity, and Black History Month serves as a reminder of the beauty in our shared humanity. It’s a chance for all of us to celebrate the past, honor the present, and work toward a future defined by inclusion, respect, and opportunity for all.
This month, we invite everyone to join us in fostering an environment of understanding, engagement, and action. Whether you’re supporting Black-led initiatives, reflecting on the impact of historical movements, or acknowledging the innovators shaping our world, every moment is an opportunity to contribute to something larger than ourselves.
Join Us for Black History Month Events at WPI
The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) is excited to host a range of events throughout February that celebrate Black history – past, present, and future, inspire thought, and create spaces for meaningful connection within our community:
Ways to Engage in Black History Month in Worcester, MA:
Spotlight: Honoring the Legacy of Louis Stokes
Louis Stokes, a pioneering congressman and advocate for diversity, was a trailblazer for minority representation in STEM. His lifelong dedication to advancing educational opportunities and promoting inclusivity continues to inspire future generations.
- Louis Stokes – Case Western Reserve University
- LSAMP Program – Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, National Science Foundation, promoting access to STEM education for underrepresented groups.
- LSAMP at WPI – Celebrating the ongoing impact of the LSAMP program at WPI, empowering students to pursue and thrive in STEM fields.
The Ongoing Importance of Black History Month
Black history is woven into every chapter of American life. This month is a reminder to celebrate, educate, and reflect—not just on the accomplishments of the past, but on how we can contribute to a future of equity and inclusion.
Let’s honor the legacy, strength, and beauty of Black heritage, celebrate the achievements of today’s trailblazers, and work together to foster a future that ensures dignity, respect, and opportunity for all.
This Black History Month and every month following, I’m reminded of the power of joy and the strength in belonging. These cultural moments remind us that hope is not passive; it’s something we create together, in every action and every celebration.
By honoring each other’s stories, we build a future where joy isn’t a rarity, but a constant, and where everyone’s place is not just acknowledged, but embraced.
— Alesia LeSane, Assistant Director for Multicultural Education and Student Success
The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees all student-facing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.