“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” 
— Audre Lorde 

We are at an inflection point. One year after a major shift in how we understand our rights and responsibilities in higher education and across the country, I find myself struggling to focus. Which outrage? Which indignity? Which organization is most in need of my limited attention and support? Even in small moments, I catch myself wondering: Should I post this funny TikTok? If I do, will people think I don’t care? 

History reminds me that great joy and great pain have not only coexisted—they have sustained one another. Not by coincidence, but by necessity. 

The Harlem Renaissance blossomed with extraordinary Black art, literature, and music while the Great Depression and Jim Crow segregation devastated Black communities. Following emancipation and the Civil War, Juneteenth celebrations and the founding of Historically Black Colleges and Universities emerged as acts of hope and institution-building amid violent backlash. Queer and trans activists, many of them Black and Latine, transformed the Stonewall uprising into annual Pride celebrations that continue to hold both protest and celebration, visibility and resistance. 

Joy is not disengagement. Joy is community. Joy is preservation. Joy is resistance. 

Where are you finding spaces of connection, laughter, and collective care? I encourage you to explore the offerings highlighted in this newsletter and more on our newly launched social media channels (On Instagram and on Facebook). If you are not finding what you need, please reach out. We would be honored to help connect you with resources on campus and in the broader community. 

You do not have to choose between outrage and laughter, grief and celebration, advocacy and rest. Holding both is not a contradiction. It is part of the complexity of being fully human. 

In solidarity, 

Rosalie

Recently, news outlets have been reporting on important updates to major headlines impacting higher education of the past year. Here are a few: 

As we continue to navigate these challenges, IEB encourages you to regularly check out the resources page for information on knowing your rights, how to find an attorney, training opportunities and local and/or national community-based organizations.

We will also be installing Know Your Rights displays with multilingual wallet sized cards across campus. Grab yours today!

If you have a resource to share, email belonging@coloradocollege.edu“> belonging@coloradocollege.edu.

Excel at CC: Building Equitable Programming and Policies 

CC strives to create a campus where everyone is included and valued. In this session, you’ll learn about the Equity Audit Tool and how it can support the development of programs and policies that center inclusion and belonging. Register through Bridge. 

Date and Time: Thursday, Feb. 19, from 2- 3:30 p.m.  

Location: South Hall Commons 

Instructor: Christopher Sewell 

The cover of Noor by Nnedi Okorafor.

Pick up your copy of Noor by Nnedi Okorafor at the CC Bookstore with your CC ID. Join us on Monday, March 2 from 12-2 p.m. for an ABC-IEB lunch with invited guest, Brenna Swift ‘’09. This lunch gathering will invite us to explore the characters, themes, and genre in Okorafor’s Noor and offer an opportunity to learn more about disability justice and its intersections with Afrofuturism. Please RSVP by Wednesday, Feb. 25. We look forward to seeing you there—additional details are forthcoming. 

Thursday, Feb. 19, 12:30 p.m.- 2 p.m.: Taste of the Black Diaspora
The Butler Center hosts a cultural program featuring actress Aba Arthur, highlighting global Black identities and traditions. Lunch is provided. Event held Thursday, Feb. 19, in Hybl Main Space from 12:30 p.m.–2:00 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 24: Black History Month Guided Visit
A guided visit open to all students, exploring historical spaces and narratives. Meet at The Butler Center Lounge at 12:30 p.m. Sign‑up via QR code provided on the flyer.

Wed., Feb. 25: BlacKKKlansman Screening

Join The Butler Center for a screening of Spike Lee’s film BlacKKKlansman (2018), based on the true story of Ron Stallworth. The event takes place Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 6 p.m. in the Cornerstone Arts Center Screening Room and includes a discussion after the film.

Sat., Feb. 28: Black Excellence on Every Slope

Experience “Black Excellence on Every Slope,” a gathering celebrating Black skiers, snowboarders, and winter adventurers. Held Saturday, Feb. 28 with additional programming on Saturday, March 7. Participants can network, connect, and enjoy culture on the mountain.

Tues., March 3: Soup! Soup! Soup!

Stop by Sacred Grounds for homemade soup and conversation on Tuesday, March. 3, Week 3 of Block 6, from 5 p.m.–6 p.m. 

Jan. 19-June 19: Proclaiming Colorado’s Black History, El Pueblo History Museum, El Pueblo, CO. “Proclaiming Colorado’s Black History is a thought-provoking traveling exhibition that shares fascinating stories and artifacts from the lived experiences of Black Coloradans whose contributions have long been ignored.”

February: Black History Month, Pioneers Museum, Colorado Springs, CO. Join the Pioneers Museum in the month of February for a guided tour through their exhibits to explore how “African Americans have continued to socially, politically, intellectually, culturally and economically shape the Pikes Peak Region.” One-hour tours are offered on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Saturday, Feb. 21: International Mother Language Day is observed annually on  to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism (UNESCO, 1999). The date honors the 1952 Bengali Language Movement, where protestors sacrificed their lives for the right to use their mother tongue. The Office of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) Education supports international and domestic linguistically diverse students in their academic mission at Colorado College. To learn more, scan the QR code.

Saturday, Feb. 21,1-2:30 p.m.: Reclaiming Land, Reclaiming Joy: Black History Month Panel, Jefferson County Parks & Open Space Headquarters, Jefferson County, CO.

Join park rangers and leaders for “[t]his conversation [which] will explore how Black communities are reclaiming lands shaped by painful histories and transforming them into spaces of healing, joy, and belonging. Panelists will reflect on resilience, outdoor equity, and ways to create more inclusive landscapes—particularly within predominantly white communities.” Registration required.

Feb.–April: Drop‑In Career Coaching
The Butler Center and Career Center offer resume and cover‑letter support, interview prep, internship/job strategies, and general advising. Sessions on Feb. 3 & 17, March 3 & 24, and April 7 in the Butler Center Lounge (Worner 226) from 12:30 p.m.–2:00 p.m.

Wed., Feb. 25: Contemplative Inquiry.

Contemplative Inquiry invites faculty and staff to gather for intentional reflection, listening, and community connection. Held every 2nd Wednesday, including Wed., Feb. 25, from 3:45 p.m.–4:45 p.m. in Sacred Grounds.

First and second Wednesday of the Block: Financial Aid Wednesdays

Meet with Financial Aid Counselor Graysen Devito for guidance on navigating financial aid. Held the 1st and 2nd Wednesday of each block, 12:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m., in Worner Campus Center, room 218.

March Sense of Place: Colorado College with Adrienne Seward, Professor Emerita of English.

Stop by IEB’s Sense of Place: Colorado College display highlighting Adrienne Seward, Professor of English from 1981-2012. Come to better understand how CC’s sense of place has been shaped by her teaching and service at CC. Fireplace, Worner Campus Center. More details forthcoming. 

Saturday, April 4: NASU Powwow.

Join CC’s Native American Student Union in welcoming families, dancers, and neighbors to the Annual NASU Powwow. Robson Arena.  

Saturday, May 2, noon-2 p.m.: Community Listening Session, CO Black Equity Study.

Join the Colorado Black Equity Study for their sixth Community Listening Session. Learn about their progress and contribute to the study by sharing your lived experience in a guided table discussion format facilitated by the research team. Gaylord Hall, Worner Campus Center.

IEB offers up to $250 in co-sponsorship funding for campus events that promote equity and justice. Departments, offices, student groups, and athletic teams may apply by submitting the request form and required materials. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with decisions issued within two weeks. Funded events must acknowledge IEB’s support and include the IEB logo on all promotional materials. For questions, contact Institutional Equity and Belonging or review this form.

Deadline Approaching – The IEB leadership team offers a grant program to support antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) learning opportunities beyond our department’s budget capacity, helping offset costs for those who wish to participate in, attend, or create ADEI programming. To apply, complete this form describing your funding needs by Sunday, March 1, for Spring 2026 activities; requests take at least two weeks to review, so submit at least one month in advance. Applications are evaluated for alignment with IEB’s focus on designing infrastructure, cultivating community, and building capacity, through an antiracist lens that promotes mental wellness and sustainability. Drop-in office hours: Tuesdays, Feb. 17 and 24 from 2-4 p.m.

14 E. Cache La Poudre St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903