Derek Reid
Professor of Dance, Associate Dean for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access
Years at Butler: 19

What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is the celebration and general honoring of contributions to our American history, specifically from the Black community.

How would you describe what you do at Butler?
I teach stage performance craft to young people who desire to pursue a life in the arts. I also work to build a Jordan College of the Arts (JCA) community that fosters a sense of belonging. I do this by providing development opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to embrace the values of inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA). I also monitor the systems within my college to ensure that we initiate and follow protocols that will move us closer to a diverse and inclusive college community.

What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is interacting with the students daily.

Share one thing that you are most proud of that you have accomplished here.
I’ve been at Butler for almost 20 years, developing courses and programming related to my work in dance. I’m proud that I’ve been able to do this work for that long and still love it. 

What can people do to celebrate Black History Month?
To celebrate, read, self-educate, and discuss our shared history. I’m reading Michael Harriott’s Black AF History: The Un-whitewashed Story of America. It’s fascinating, and I’m sharing its stories with whoever will listen. People can do more of that!