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OLLI at Penn State Offers Black History Month Learning Opportunities

THE LOGO for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is shown. (Image provided)

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UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. ­­— During Black History Month, OLLI at Penn State is offering diversity-themed courses as part of its winter semester.

The online courses offer an opportunity for learners to explore the experiences of Black students at Penn State and the impact they have had on the University, and examine the relationship of two long-lost cousins, one Black and one white, who connected as they learned about their family’s past.

“This semester’s offerings are part of a curriculum organized by a committee of member-volunteers who plan courses that are of interest or for the benefit of the OLLI and local communities,” said Brynn Rousselin, director of OLLI at Penn State.

“We often design curriculum in observance of significant commemorative moments, such as Black History Month. We are proud to offer an opportunity to reflect on our history and honor the achievements and accomplishments of those who came before us,” Rousselin added.

The diversity-related courses kicked off on Jan. 26 with “What is Critical Race Theory?” The course, instructed by University of Akron law professor Brant T. Lee, examined the theory and how it became a topic of political debate.

Longtime OLLI at Penn State member and volunteer Jack Sulzer said he was inspired to take the course to get a better understanding of the theory that has garnered significant media attention in recent years. 

“Professor Lee is a wonderful teacher. With the most thoughtful grace, he takes a complex theory of study that has become politically controversial, and boils it down to a clear understanding,” Sulzer said while recommending the course to others.

Upcoming diversity-related OLLI at Penn State courses include:

Betty Kilby Baldwin and Phoebe Kilby will tell their stories of discovering their family connections and embarking on a path toward reconciliation and reparation. The class will draw on lessons from their 2021 book, “Cousins: Connected through slavery, a Black woman and a White woman discover their past — and each other.”

Penn State alumnus Darryl Daisey discusses the Penn State African American Chronicles, an interactive multimedia website and timeline that tells the stories of African American students, faculty, staff and alumni who have inspired and empowered the Penn State community.

OLLI at Penn State offers community members aged 50 or better the opportunity to learn, explore and connect through educational experiences, travel, social and volunteer opportunities.

OLLI at Penn State winter semester courses run through Feb. 17. Topics include art, history, science, nature, religion, wellness, crafts and more. More information is available here.

OLLI at Penn State is a program of Penn State Outreach.