Spectrum News: University efforts more inclusion, diversity, honors first Black graduates

Now that minorities make up 24 percent of the University of Cincinnati student body, a Spectrum News article attests to how UC pays tribute to minority students of the past, while providing current and future students a modern, more diverse and inclusive, academic experience.    

The article focuses on a new memorial that recognizes the university's first Black graduates, including Alice May Easton, who was the first Black woman to graduate from UC.

“She (Easton) was around at a time when girls and women, especially Black women, were not seen as being academically competent,” says Littisha Bates, UC’s associate dean for inclusive excellence and community partnership. 

Bates said there’s still more work to do and she plans to be a part of it. 

“If you see yourself as an advocate, if you see yourself as someone wanting to contribute to diversity, equity and inclusion, belonging and social justice, then you need to think about what can I do in my sphere of influence to be the change that I want to see,” said Bates.

Read the article 

Feature photo at top of installation, located on UC campus, honoring Alice Easton. Photo/UC Marketing + Creative/Andrew Higley.