Mississippi University for Women will celebrate Black History Month with events designed to honor the rich cultural heritage of the African American community and provide opportunities for the entire campus community to engage in meaningful conversations.
“This year’s Black History Month events span a variety of topics, departments and organizations,” said Lilith Osburn-Cole, coordinator of student experience for The W. “It is important and urgent in our current climate to celebrate the cultural and political impact of Black history. The national theme this year, established by The Association for the Study of African American Life and History, recognizes African Americans and Labor.”
The events being held at The W align well with the national theme, highlighting the various impacts that African American culture has had on some of the multiple facets of the United States labor force.
“I think the events this year speak to this theme from acknowledging the role of racial, ethnic and cultural identity within educational spaces with our continuation of the panel series ‘How Identity Impact Academics,’ to recognizing the profound impact that Black fashion has on American culture and the fashion industry in the Fashion Showcase at the end of the month,” said Osburn-Cole. “I welcome all W and Columbus community members to attend open events and engage with history that is foundational to the understanding of who we are as Americans and Mississippians.”
The events kicked off Wednesday with a free speech/open mic night in The Nest in Hogarth, followed by a “How Identity Impacts Academics Series” panel Thursday. But events will continue throughout the month.
The W’s Department of Music will host its Black History Month Celebration Concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in Poindexter Hall. The W’s Gospel Choir will host Gospel Fest at 7 p.m. Thursday in Poindexter Hall.
Fant Memorial Library will host a book talk for “Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghost,” at 4 p.m. Feb. 26 in the Gail P. Gunther Room.
The events will close out with “A Celebration of Culture and Style Fashion Showcase” from 7-9:30 p.m. Feb. 27, in Nissan Auditorium at Parkinson Hall.
To see the full slate of events, please visit www.muw.edu/calendar/list/.
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