Celebrating African-American history

Publication Date

A series of events, including concerts, exhibits and a formal ball, are scheduled in the coming weeks in honor of Black History Month.

“I’m really excited,” said Katie Casado ’19, secretary of the Black Student Union, which is sponsoring many of the programs. “I honestly just want to bombard Union with the celebration of blackness. After all the horrors going on in our country and world, we need time to celebrate this year.”

“We should all take this time to fully understand and appreciate why black history is American history,” said BSU member Andrew Cassarino ’18. “Black history is enriched with stories of resilience, courage, compassion and tremendous dedication in the face of fearsome oppression.”

Events kicked off Thursday evening in Old Chapel with “Word! Black Poetry and Spoken Word,” a student-led exhibition of lyric and prose. At least a dozen more programs are on the calendar.

“We invite and encourage you to take advantage of these great opportunities to learn a little bit more about another culture and our shared American history,” said Jason Benitez, director of Multicultural Affairs.

Monday, Feb. 6, 7 p.m., Nott Memorial: Anti-Hate Solidarity Vigil: BSU joins the African Student Association, Muslim Students’ Association and other groups in solidarity with a message on inclusion and anti-hate

Wednesday, Feb. 8, 4:30 p.m., Schaffer Library: Black Space: Afrofuturism Exhibit opening reception

Thursday, Feb. 9, 6 p.m., Iris House: Dinner and discussion on Queer Women of Color, co-sponsored with BSU and Union Pride

Thursday, Feb. 16, 6:30 p.m., Sorum House: Ode to 1990s and 2000s Hip Hop and R&B, featuring snacks and karaoke

Tuesday, Feb. 21, 5 p.m., Reamer Auditorium: Hip Hop as Black Protest concert and presentation featuring Jermaine Wells and the Ill Funk Ensemble

Thursday, Feb. 23, 5 p.m., Breazzano House: Social Justice Trivia Night, co-sponsored with BSU

Thursday, Feb. 23, 5 p.m., Messa House: Afro-Latinidad discussion, co-sponsored with Círculo Estudiantil Latino Americano and Bronner House

Friday, Feb. 24, 6:30 p.m., Old Chapel: Black Excellence Ball, celebrating the accomplishments of black figures, past and present

Saturday, Feb. 25, 3 p.m., Taylor Music Hall: The Heavenly Voices Gospel Choir Winter Concert

Tuesday Feb. 28, 5 p.m., Schaffer Library: Black Space: Afrofuturism Exhibit panel discussion

Tuesday, Feb. 28, 6 p.m., Bronner House: Afro-Latinidad discussion, co-sponsored with BSU and Círculo Estudiantil Latino Americano

Wednesday, March 1, 4 p.m., Unity Lounge, Reamer Campus Center: “Who is Moses Viney: A Bonded Friendship Book Reading,” featuring Gretchel Hathaway, dean of Diversity and Inclusion