PennWest University will mark the National Day of Racial Healing with a virtual program featuring civil rights historian and author David L. Crane at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 2, 2026.  

Crane is the founder of the Making the Movement Civil Rights Museum and author of Making the Movement: How Activists Fought for Civil Rights with Buttons, Flyers, Pins, and Posters. He will present “A Blueprint for the Movement: Transforming Moments into Momentum.”   

His presentation will explore how the artifacts and stories of the civil rights movement serve not only as historical records, but also as a framework for advancing justice, dignity and belonging today. Drawing from years of research and curation, Crane will highlight how everyday materials — including buttons, flyers and posters — helped fuel grassroots organizing and collective action.  

 “Events like this create space for learning, reflection and meaningful dialogue,” said Sheleta Camarda-Webb, with PennWest’s Office of Community, Opportunity, Responsibility, and Engagement. “Understanding how past movement created changes helps us think more intentionally about how we build inclusive communities today.   

The event is hosted by PennWest’s Office of Community, Opportunity, Responsibility, and Engagement (CORE) as part of the university’s ongoing commitment to fostering dialogue, understanding and connection across its campuses and communities.  

The program is open to PennWest students, faculty and staff, as well as members of the public.  

To access the Zoom webinar, visit https://bit.ly/RacialHealing2026.