For generations, Black Americans have stood at the forefront of shaping history, breaking barriers and driving progress in every facet of society—from civil rights and politics to science and the arts. And throughout February, individuals are encouraged to recognize the achievements, resilience and contributions of Black individuals, past and present.
Every day, those part of the Black community at Case Western Reserve University enrich the university’s legacy—whether advancing scientific discoveries and social initiatives or helping to foster a more welcoming campus environment.
In honor of Black History Month, The Daily is putting a spotlight on six CWRU community members whose contributions are leaving indelible marks on the university and beyond.
Read on to meet three individuals whose cultural heritage inspires them to make lasting impacts, and get to know three others.
Answers have been edited for clarity for length.
Tiffany Hall
Tiffany Hall, a coordinator of the Greek Life Office, supports CWRU fraternity and sorority chapters by overseeing finances, data reports and risk management. A co-chair of the Division of Student Affairs’ Development and Learning Committee, Hall also helps plan divisional retreats, professional development programs and holiday gatherings.
1. What does your cultural heritage mean to you and how has it influenced your identity and experiences on campus?
I’ve always been proud of my African American culture, specifically the resilience of my ancestors and the colorful ways our creativity, innovation, and unapologetic authenticity helped shape the country we live in. I strongly believe that showing up as your authentic self is the bridge builder of relationships. I show up as myself every day and have built genuine relationships on campus, whether with my students that I interact with daily, the building service workers that I make small talk with, or my colleagues.
2. How has your experience at CWRU shaped your commitment to making a difference in your community? What impact do you hope to create?
My time at CWRU has strengthened my passion for student development and community building. Working in Greek life, I’ve seen firsthand how a ripple effect of engaged leadership fosters strong, meaningful, and inclusive communities. I plan to continue empowering our students to take ownership of their experiences on campus, whether that is in their studies, extracurriculars, or in their fraternity or sorority.
3. Why do you believe it’s important for institutions in higher education to celebrate and recognize various cultural heritages?
Recognizing and celebrating diverse cultures is important because celebrating other [individuals’] uniqueness is empowering. It creates an appreciation and understanding between yourself and the diverse experiences, backgrounds and histories of others, which in turn provides a connected environment. I’ve seen how students thrive when they are valued for who they are. CWRU celebrating different cultures enriches the campus experience and strengthens our abilities to work together in the multifaceted world we live in.
Stephen Furlow
An associate director for community engagement and partnership at the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Stephen Furlow is advisor for the Black Student Union, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., and part of the CWRU Spirit Committee and Bicentennial Subcommittee.
1. What does your cultural heritage mean to you and how has it influenced your identity and experiences on campus?
Being Black in an unapologetic way means proceeding with love first but preparing for tough conversation due to ignorance at any turn. My cultural upbringing has allowed me to be flexible when working with peers and students, providing love and education foremost—especially in situations where bias or microaggressions may be present. I realize that lack of information can lead to unfair judgment and, for that reason, communication has become a key factor in finding success in my career and life.
2. How has your experience at CWRU shaped your commitment to making a difference in your community? What impact do you hope to create?
CWRU does amazing work fostering an environment where some of the best and brightest people go on to change the world. By being surrounded by that level of energy every day, I realize that I have to continue to grow and learn to not only better myself—but to remain a source of positive reinforcement for every student and staff member I encounter.
3. Why do you believe it’s important for institutions in higher education to celebrate and recognize various cultural heritages?
A quilt is nothing more than pieces of material seamed together to make a complete blanket of warmth and comfort. So when less materials are available to work with, when we invite less people into our hearts and spaces, we run the risk of contributing to an unfinished quilt, leaving us part of a cold and uncaring world. We are so much more when we are tethered together, in all of our uniqueness, beauty, and traditions. Recognizing our differences and celebrating our stories with the same energy that we look for similarities is an important part of strengthening us as individuals and as a collective.
