Schoolcraft College Celebrates
Black
History
Month
To help celebrate Black History Month, we’re pleased to share “My Story, My Voice,” a series of essays written by Schoolcraft College students, faculty, staff and alumni.
View Essay Authors
- Arnold Wicker Sr., Emeritus Professor
- Brynne Barnes, English Professor
- Catreese Qualls, Student
- Cedric Howie, Professor of Economics
- Dr. Carmen Wilson, Academic Success Coach
- Katelynn, Haygood, Alumni
- Keith Dawkins, Design Release Engineer and Alumni
- Kevin Edmonds, Schoolcraft College Police Officer
- Thomas “Tommy” DeJesus (Anderson), Alumni
- Yolanda Brown-Spidell, Sociology Professor
In addition, we invite you to view and share additional Black History content.
View Profiles and Videos
View Upcoming Events
Historical Bios and Videos
Malcolm X
Malcolm X, or known as El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz in the Muslim world, was one of the key figures of the Civil Rights Movement
Florence Beatrice Price
Florence Beatrice Price was the first noted African American female composer to gain national status
Black History Month: Hidden Figures
These “Crash Course” videos provide additional context and understanding
Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman
Learn more about the abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad
Black History Month: Kings
Examine the legacies of African Kings from two of the world’s most powerful and influential empires
Profile: Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela was the most significant Black leader in South Africa and personified the anti-apartheid movement
“My Story, My Voice” Essays
Brynne Barnes
English Professor
Brynne Barnes has taught in the English Department at Schoolcraft College since 2014 and has written two books for younger readers – Books Do Not Have Wings and Colors Of Me – with a third to be published this summer. She holds a Master of Arts in Creative Writing from Eastern Michigan University (summa cum laude).
Arnold Wicker Sr.
Emeritus Professor
Arnold Wicker Sr. taught several courses related to Criminal Justice for more than a decade at Schoolcraft College. This followed a distinguished 30-year career with the Detroit Police Department as Arnold retired at the rank of Commander.
Kevin Edmonds
Schoolcraft College Police Department
Kevin Edmonds joined the Schoolcraft College Police Department in November of 2014. He previously served with the Detroit Police Department and the city of Oak Park’s Public Safety Department.
Yolanda Brown-Spidell
Sociology Professor
Yolanda Brown-Spidell is a recent hire at Schoolcraft College in the department of sociology (2021). She is an educator with over 20 years of teaching and educational leadership in both Detroit and metro Detroit.
Keith Dawkins
Design Release Engineer and Alumni
Keith Dawkins is a Design Release Engineer for General Motors. He has experience in embedded controls, calibration, and managing programs from design to launch. His hobbies include golf, traveling and exercise. He hopes one day to complete a half-marathon.
Dr. Carmen Wilson
Academic Success Coach
Dr. Carmen Wilson joined Schoolcraft College in 2016, specializing in the disciplines of reading, study skills, and developmental education. She provides individual coaching for students and facilitates group sessions for class visits, TEAS Test Prep, and the Detroit Promise Cohort. Dr. Wilson is the Coordinator for the STARS DEI Leadership Program. Her mantra is, “I am your champion, cheerleader, and accountability partner, helping students soar academically.”
Thomas “Tommy” DeJesus (Anderson)
Alumni
Thomas “Tommy” DeJesus (Anderson) has been a community organizer for seven years. A graduate of the University of North Texas in Integrative Studies, he’s currently writing his memoir, which will be released this year.
Katelynn Haygood
Alumni
Katelynn Haygood earned her Associate in Science Degree and now is majoring in Environmental Studies and minoring in English at Wayne State University. She works in the Geology Department at Wayne State and as a Pharmacy Technician. She hopes to one day bio-engineer plants to improve overall air quality.
Cedric Howie
Professor of Economics
Professor Cedric Howie has been a full-time member of the faculty in Economics at Schoolcraft College for 31 years. Prior to coming to Schoolcraft, Professor Howie taught at colleges and universities in South Carolina, Massachusetts, Nebraska and Japan. His area of concentration is in microeconomics.
Catreese Qualls
Student
Catreese Qualls is a non-traditional student and mother who serves as the Division III International Vice President of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She is a businesswoman; diversity, equity and inclusion mentor; and a Schoolcraft Scholar studying social work with an emphasis on urban studies. Catreese is a community advocate dedicated to empowering unrepresented and at-risk populations.
