Wikipedia is one of the most heavily used reference websites in the world. It is important as a freely available information source, but isn't without problems, including gaps in representation largely due to systemic bias. 

Timed during International Love Data Week and Black History Month, our focus for the drop-in editing sessions will be on improving coverage of Black histories.

• The connections between Wikipedia and data science #lovedata are primarily established through Wikidata, structured data integration, and of course the collaborative nature of Wikipedia itself. 
• The 2024 theme for Black History Month is African Americans and the Arts, which may help you as you brainstorm editing ideas.You can come with ideas of themes and we'll provide some suggestions as well. 

No experience is needed. We will offer training, reference materials, and snacks for those who attend in-person. Just bring your laptop or tablet. (We'll have a few laptops on hand that people can borrow as well.)

Kickoff and Training

• Thursday, February 15
• 12:40 - 2:00 p.m.  
• Hybrid format: Dimond Library Room 421 or on Zoom 

The kickoff and training will focus on reasons for editing, guidelines for Wikipedia, how to create citations, using a sandbox as you start, and more. 

Drop-in group editing sessions

• Tuesday, February 20 from 12:40 - 2:00 pm 
• Friday, February 23 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm
• Thursday, February 29 from 12:40 - 2:00 pm

All the drop-ins will be in hybrid format: Dimond Library Room 421 or on Zoom. Bring your questions to the drop-in sessions, we'll have people who can help.

How to prepare

1. Create an account (you can get help at the kickoff if you need it)
   • See the Why create an account? article to learn more about account creation.
2. Once you have an account, you can join the Wikipedia event dashboard and track your edits and contributions to this campaign. The event dashboard will remain open through Thursday, February 29 if you want to edit outside of the group editing drop-ins.