The Knight's Roundtable
February 2022
Dear Families,
The Knights Roundtable is the Diversity, Equity, and Unity newsletter created for DJO students, family, and community. Each month will center around a theme. The initiative on Diversity, Equity, and Unity is key to the ability of Bishop O'Connell to fulfill its mission and to have a positive effect on society. This fact has been evident in the past year as our nation has faced a series of incidents, tragedies, and challenges that have had a profound effect on us. As we struggled to learn, to lament, to heal, ask hard questions, and acquire wisdom, we came together as students, alumni, parents, faculty, and administration in efforts to implement change. Sit back, grab a snack, and enjoy reading about current events, student stories, and how to be involved in making O'Connell a place that all students feel proud to say, we are family. GO, KNIGHTS!
Black History Month
This month, the United States celebrates Black History Month. Although Black History Month was not yet celebrated monthly, it began in 1915. Carter G. Woodson and Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association For the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) to celebrate African Americans’ achievements. In 1976, every US American President began to acknowledge and celebrate African American History with a theme. This year’s theme is Black Health and Wellness, recognizing Black scholars and medical workers and doulas, midwives, and birth workers. With fun activities, history, and rituals, people across the world are learning about Black History.
Statement -- Faven Degaga
Our DEU president and member of the AAHC, Faven Degaga, provided a statement on what Black History month means to her. Read it here:
To me, Black History Month is the time of year where I feel the most empowered. Seeing Black and African American people being recognized and uplifted fills me with pride, and educating people on our culture brings me joy. Black and African American people have endured and accomplished so much, and this month gives us the opportunity to highlight their contributions to our country!
AAHC Assembly
Looking for new places to eat? Here are some Black-owned restaurants in our area!
Austin Grill (Springfield, VA)
CupCakes & Beyond (Fairfax, VA)
Grace’s Pastries (Herndon, VA)
Markers Union (Reston, VA)
Pie Gourmet (Vienna, VA)
Alumni Dinner
Unfortunately, the DEU Alumni Dinner is postponed until the spring. When we have more information, we will let you know! If you have any questions, please email Mrs. Davis at bdavis@bishopoconnell.org.
DEU One in Christ Retreat
One in Christ is a partnership between the DEU and Campus Ministry to create a 3-day, 2 Night retreat experience built on the theme of "How are we all made one in Christ?"
WHERE: Concord Retreat Center: 265 Concord Rd, Yellow Spring, WV 26865
WHEN: February 25-27, 2022: Students drop their luggage/ belongings in the Campus Ministry hallway before the 7:45 bell and meet in the chapel at 1:30 for departure. Buses will leave at 1:30 on the 25th and return to school on the 27th at 2:00pm.
PAYMENT: $130. Payment is due February 18th. Credit card payments can be made via the form on our campus retreat page. Checks should be made payable to Bishop O'Connell and delivered to Campus Ministry.
CONTACT: If you have any questions or need financial assistance, please contact Mr. Fitzpatrick at ministry@bishopoconnell.org or Mrs. Davis at bdavis@bishopoconnell.org
Google Form
We are providing a forum for students, faculty, alumni, and parents to share their voices through a google form. Please click this link to view the form. https://forms.gle/QKThkXtxcE1Vg5Fw6
Care to Share? We'd Love to Hear from You!
Email: bdavis@bishopoconnell.org