Black History Month

Dear Highlanders,

Today, NJIT begins its annual observance of Black History Month, a national celebration that extends throughout the month of February. Each year, we plan a range of educational, social, and community building events for a month-long celebration and recognition of Black history and culture. We are proud to take this opportunity to reflect and shine a spotlight upon the impact of Black history and culture on our university community and our nation, as well as the contributions of Black Highlanders themselves on our university. 

The Black students, faculty, staff, and alumni of NJIT have been innovators, leaders, and trailblazers throughout our university’s past and remain so today. Alumni like Trustee Norma Clayton, Foundation Board of Directors Member Marjorie Perry, and Clifford Samuel have been pioneers in their fields and have made enduring contributions to our university that continue to benefit us all.

The diversity of our university is incredibly important, because learning happens best when we are exposed to a broad array of perspectives and have the opportunity to share information and knowledge gathered through our lived experiences. It has been documented repeatedly that teams consisting of individuals with varied backgrounds, perspectives, ethnicities, races, belief systems, cultures and socio-economic statuses achieve greater results than those that lack such diversity.

That is why NJIT’s diversity is among its greatest strengths. We are one of the most diverse campuses in the entire nation, and we are a top 20 university in the United States for graduating Black engineers. In addition, 62% of all engineering degrees awarded to African-American and Hispanic students by New Jersey public institutions are awarded by NJIT.

Black History Month is an important event for all members of our community who make up the diverse fabric of the NJIT family. We look forward to celebrating Black History Month at NJIT with an opening ceremony on February 7th at 2:30 pm in the Campus Center Ballroom. We encourage everyone to take advantage of the many opportunities we have created to learn, discuss, and celebrate the rich history and significant contributions of Black Highlanders and leaders.

Sincerely,

Teik C. Lim

NJIT President

and 

David E. Jones

NJIT Chief Diversity Officer