Cromwell Day
Cromwell Day provides dedicated time and space for reflection and education about diversity, racism and inclusion. Originally established to celebrate the legacy of Otelia Cromwell, class of 1900, Smith’s first African American graduate, Cromwell Day has been a Smith tradition since 1989. The day has since expanded to also celebrate Cromwell’s niece, Adelaide Cromwell ’40, who was the first African American professor appointed at Smith. Through the work of the Office for Equity & Inclusion (OEI), together with campus partners, the college seeks to take individual and community responsibility for our behavior with an awareness of how that behavior furthers and disrupts patterns of structural oppression.
Cromwell Day is Tuesday, November 12, 2024.
All morning and afternoon classes are canceled so that students may attend the events.
Attend in person or watch the livestream.
Cromwell Day 2024 Keynote
Now What?: Liberation in the Midst of Uncertainty
Activities & Workshops
Activity descriptions and additional details will be available soon. All activities and events—apart from student-only workshops—are open to students, faculty, and staff—all are welcome.
Confronting Challenges. Creating Change.
Through individual and community engagement, we reach hearts. Through inclusive education and programming, we nourish minds. Through institutional change and collaborations, we realign systems. Since its beginning, Smith has been at the forefront of envisioning a world where we all belong. Cromwell Day gives us an opportunity to reflect upon our accomplishments and look ahead to all that we can still do to evolve and transform. Every voice matters, and every step—whether large or small—makes a difference.
The History of Cromwell Day
Mary Maples Dunn, then president of Smith College, initiated Otelia Cromwell Day in 1989 to provide an opportunity for further education and reflection about issues of diversity and racism. At the 2019 ceremony, the college announced that the event would be renamed Cromwell Day, following the wishes of the Cromwell family and to honor the legacies of both Otelia Cromwell 1900 and her niece, Adelaide Cromwell ’40.
Smith Voices: Progress & Possibilities
Celebrating Otelia Cromwell
For the 2021 Cromwell Day convocation, the Smith community created an inspiring digital quilt. “The Life and Legacy of Otelia Cromwell” was created as part of the college’s 25th annual Cromwell Day celebration honoring Smith’s first African American graduate.