The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSOS) and the UMD community celebrate Black History Month with virtual campus tours that underscore the positive and meaningful African American presence on our campus.

“From its antebellum founding through the present day, the University of Maryland campus and campus life have been shaped by more individuals and groups than just those who wrote or were mentioned in the history books,” said Dr. Kim Nickerson, the BSOS assistant dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion who created the tour. “There was a time when students and visitors of color were outsiders here, but through the sacrifices of earlier pioneers—reflected in our campus fabric—each brick and blade of glass belongs to them as well.”

Nickerson also designed a self-guided, online version of the walking tour, commissioned by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Drawing on University Archives, reports by campus colleagues, and other sources, the tour highlights campus landmarks associated with the impact of African Americans at the University of Maryland and throughout history.

Photo by John T. Consoli, University of Maryland.