Black Community Initiatives

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DEI Action Plan

Our mission with Black Community Initiatives is to seek to uplift Black people and communities at the University of Denver. We are guided by the question, “How can we ensure that Black-identified faculty, staff, and students not only choose DU but also feel a profound sense of ownership and belonging here?” We strive to make the University of Denver a destination for Black community members to thrive by providing access to resources, community engagement, and programming that celebrates Black life, culture, and history. As an initiative, we are dedicated to addressing the specific challenges Black communities face by promoting restoration, justice, and equity. We work to educate the larger university community and create opportunities for Black students, faculty, staff, alumni, and external community members to connect, engage, and build relationships that foster success.

As part of its DEI action plan, DU continues to commit resources to address its historically inconsistent and uneven support of our Black community members. The primary goal through these efforts is to weave an inclusion of Black people and all they bring throughout the University’s culture and structures. Our intention is that members of our Black communities can unapologetically bring their full and authentic selves to the institution and thrive while being vital parts of the growth and excellence of the University of Denver. We endeavor to create space for them to do so both individually and collectively, now and into the future.

John Miller, IV, M.E.d.

Associate Director of Black Community Initiatives, DEI

Son. Brother. Uncle. Friend. Mentor.

John Miller IV (he/they) is the new Associate Director of Black Community Initiatives at the University of Denver. As an inclusion educator, he seeks to develop an affirming environment for others to build their understanding of cultural humility. He also utilizes his ancestral radical Black imagination to advocate for the liberation of minoritized communities within systems of oppression.

John's professional philosophy is centered on the Ubuntu proverb, “I am because you are and, since you are, therefore, I am.” As a person-centered, intersectional practitioner, he is passionate about Black identity, organizational transformation, immersive programming, and integrating the Arts into his practice. His life motto is “Adinkrahene. AYA. Sankofa.” (Lead. Endure. Remember.)

Originally from Charleston, SC, John gains his foundation from the strong Black women throughout his life. John holds a master’s in higher education administration and a bachelor’s in psychology with a concentration in arts entrepreneurship, both from North Carolina State University. Before this role, John brings a wealth of experience from Duke University, North Carolina State University, Elon University, and the University of Colorado Boulder.

Any questions can be directed to john.milleriv@drordi.com

Black Community Initiatives Newsletter Sign Up

The BCI bi-weekly newsletter is the place to find upcoming programming and events hosted by BCI or with Black community members in mind. You can also learn more about our other community engagement and educational opportunities.

Past and Upcoming Events

Visit our BHM website for more information

View the Event Program here

Registration and information here

September 7th, 12:00pm - 3:00pm | Welcome Black Cookout

Welcome! Welcome Back! Welcome Black! Black Community Initiatives (BCI) invites you to our Welcome Black Cookout at Village Green (the beautiful green space in Dimond Family Residential Village) on September 7th from 12-3 PM. Enjoy mouth-watering food from a local Black-owned restaurant, music, and games. Our annual Welcome B(l)ack Cookout is a chance for returning community members to welcome our newest members. We welcome undergraduate and graduate students, alumni, faculty, and staff to join us in celebrating our newest University of Denver community!
September 30th, 5:00pm - 6:30pm | Black@DU Mixer

Join us for our collaborative Black Community Initiatives & Black @ DU Mixer for Black-identifying faculty and staff on September 30, from 5 - 6:30 PM in the Community Commons 4th Story Overlook. This event is designed to provide an opportunity for Black-identifying faculty and staff to connect with one another, build community, and learn more about what DU has to offer.

This mixer is designed to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus by creating a space for Black-identifying faculty and staff to celebrate their accomplishments and empower one another to create positive change within the university.

Refreshments (non-alcoholic beverages) and heavy Hors d’oeuvres will be provided. We look forward to seeing you at this exciting event!
October 15th, 5:00pm - 6:30pm | Black Scholarly Show & Tell

Burwell 320
The "BCI Scholarly Show & Tell" is a platform that shines a spotlight on the outstanding contributions made by Black faculty and staff members at the University of Denver. This event offers a space for these exceptional Black scholars to present their multifaceted research, scholarly endeavors, creative works, and accomplishments through concise 5-minute mini-presentations. Following these engaging presentations, we extend a warm invitation to attendees to mingle and engage in informal discussions. Our aspiration is that activities of this nature will bring us a step closer to gaining insights into the innovative work within our respective fields and create opportunities for the exchange of ideas. Light refreshments will be available for both our attendees and presenters to enjoy.
October 22nd, 5:00pm - 6:30pm | Black@DU Mixer

More information coming soon...

October 28th, 5:00pm - 8:30pm | gOD-Talk Screening and Panel

Monday, Oct. 28, 2024
5pm - 7pm Film Screening
7:15pm - 8:30pm Q & A
Sturm 281
Register here!
gOD-Talk is the culmination project of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture Center for the Study of African American Religious Life, in association with the Pew Research Center, five-year study of Black Millennials. The featured length film explores the lives of seven Black Millennials—Atheist, Buddhist, Christians, Muslim, Ifa, and Spiritualist—and the challenges and discoveries with faith and spirituality. Join us for a screening from 5-7 PM Document Screening followed by a talkback from 7:15-8:30 PM with the Producer and special DU Faculty Members.
October 30th, 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Community Conversations (Virtual)

Virtual; more information coming soon...
The "Community Conversations" program offers an informal and relaxed setting for members of the Black Community Initiative (BCI) to connect and share their experiences at the University of Denver. This program provides a platform for faculty, staff, and graduate students to come together, engage in authentic dialogue, and share stories. It's a space where community members can feel heard and supported while exploring issues that affect their daily lives in the university environment. As Maya Angelou eloquently put it, "There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." Join us to build stronger bonds, support one another, and collectively enhance our experience at DU.
November 6th, 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Community Conversations

More information coming soon...
The "Community Conversations" program offers an informal and relaxed setting for members of the Black Community Initiative (BCI) to connect and share their experiences at the University of Denver. This program provides a platform for faculty, staff, and graduate students to come together, engage in authentic dialogue, and share stories. It's a space where community members can feel heard and supported while exploring issues that affect their daily lives in the university environment. As Maya Angelou eloquently put it, "There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." Join us to build stronger bonds, support one another, and collectively enhance our experience at DU.
December 4th, 5:00pm - 6:30pm | Black@DU Mixer

More information coming soon...