The Dickinson College Campus in Carlisle, Cumberland County.
Kate Landis / PA Post
Building Belonging: Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum Talks Race and Campus Identity at Dickinson
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Emma Halsey
Kate Landis / PA Post
The Dickinson College Campus in Carlisle, Cumberland County.
Aired; January 26th, 2026
On today’s episode of The Spark, we had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, esteemed psychologist, scholar, and higher-education leader, about her upcoming visit to Dickinson College for Black History Month. Dr. Tatum will join Tony Boston, Dickinson’s chief diversity officer, and Jacquie Forbes, assistant professor of educational studies, for a conversation titled “The Psychology of Belonging: Navigating Identity on a College Campus.” Inspired by her New York Times bestselling book, Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? And Other Conversations About Race, Tatum discussed how social identities are formed, the importance of fostering inclusion and psychological safety, and the ongoing challenges facing higher-education leaders.
During our conversation, Tatum reflected on her career in higher education, including her leadership as former president of Spelman College and her roles at Mount Holyoke College, emphasizing the critical role of educational institutions in supporting belonging for all students. She also shared insights from her extensive research on race relations, highlighting the need for intentional efforts to create inclusive campuses.
The Dickinson event will take place Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 7 p.m. in the Anita Tuvin Schlechter Auditorium, with a book signing to follow, and will also be livestreamed via clarkeforum.org.
