Cromwell Day is November 10, 2020

Dear students, staff and faculty,

I invite you to gather virtually on November 10 to observe Cromwell Day, during which we reflect and learn about diversity, racism and inclusion. Every year, the Smith community sets aside this day to honor Otelia Cromwell 1900, our first Black graduate. Beginning this year, we will also honor Adelaide Cromwell ’41, our first Black faculty member. This year’s theme is “Tackling Anti-Blackness: Moving Past the Abstract.”

Award-winning journalist Yamiche Alcindor, the White House correspondent for the PBS NewsHour, will deliver the keynote address on “The 2020 Election in Black and White” at 1:30 p.m. EDT. Cromwell Day is just one of many election-related events this year at Smith.

Cromwell Day will also feature online workshops, wellness opportunities and arts events. To submit your own art to be considered for inclusion in the latter, fill out this form by October 18.

Access to all Cromwell Day talks and events will be available via the website.

Prior to the day of learning and reflection, I will update the college on action items deriving from our emergent plan, Towards Racial Justice at Smith College. Because racism is ever-evolving and revealing itself to us, our plan is and must be a living document - so I invite you to send your feedback and ideas via this webform.

In a year that has seen so much division and loss, Cromwell Day gives us a chance to pause, learn and build community. I look forward to seeing you then.

Warmly,

Floyd Cheung
Vice President for Equity and Inclusion