Join us for the 2026 School of Education & Human Sciences Black History Month Celebration featuring Aaron Smallwood, re-entry coordinator with Zephyr Products and Brothers in Blue. Aaron's presentation topic will be "Hope, Change, and Resilience:  The Story of Us All.” 

Aaron is a passionate advocate for the transformative power of education. Once told he would never read beyond an 8th-grade level, he considered graduating from high school a small miracle. A teacher’s introduction to poetry gave Aaron a voice and changed the course of his life. While attending Donnelly College, he found mentorship that challenged him to write from his lived experience and never settle for “good enough.”

A 2024 graduate of Donnelly College’s College in Prison program, Aaron believes he is “the product of countless people’s best efforts.” Today, he works as a re-entry coordinator with Zephyr Products and Brothers in Blue, teaching Trauma Healing and creative writing, where he encourages others to “tell their story.” He hopes to become an English teacher and inspire others to believe in their limitless potential.

The event will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 11, from 3:30–5:30 p.m. in JRP Room 150. Individuals interested in attending in person or virtually are encouraged to RSVP.

Join us virtually via Zoom at: https://kansas.zoom.us/j/81912903334
Meeting ID: 819 1290 3334
Passcode: 516875

We hope to see you there.

In the meantime, if you have any questions, please email Icelda Beltran.