Shahara’Tova Dente has had plenty of time to think about Black History Month.

After the pandemic put a hold on Dente planning events for last year, the Mississippi Humanities Council played a key role in bringing her vision to fruition with a three-speaker series that will include discussions about authors Toni Morrison and Octavia Butler and the band Outkast and the history of hip-hop in the South.

Ashley Burge, a scholar about Morrison, will kick off the series at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. Briana Whiteside, a scholar about Butler, will follow at 6 p.m. Feb. 7. Regina Bradley will wrap up the series with a discussion about Outkast and the history of Southern hip-hop at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 24.

“I thought this panel would afford The W and the community an opportunity to celebrate Black History month by reflecting on a rich history while also offering space to think forward black futures,” said Dente, an assistant professor of English and women’s studies and graduate director of women’s leadership at Mississippi University for Women. “I’m not sure that this type of panel has happened here at The W, but I hope it won’t be the last of its kind.”

In addition to the series, a virtual student panel will be held at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 16. Dente said the panel will be made up of volunteers. It is open to students at The W and Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science. Students will be allowed to present on any subject and in any medium (recitation, oration, original works, favorite works) that is related to Black history. Dente said students will be asked to notify organizers what they will present when they secure their commitments.

The series is hosted by the Departments of Languages, Literature and Philosophy; Women’s Leadership; and History, Political Science and Geography. Co-sponsors include the Mississippi Humanities Council, The MUW Foundation and the Office of Academic Affairs, Fant Library’s IDEA Committee, The W’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, the Office of Student Life and Friendly City Books.

Dente said it was natural for her to reach out to Black women scholars whose work fit her areas of expertise. She said each speaker will have their own topic and that it was important to have black women scholars as a central part of the series.

“It’s a chance to celebrate the beauty and majesty and intellect of our history, but what an opportunity to share a platform with other black women scholars who are doing amazing work,” Dente said.