Black History Month
- Online event
Photo courtesy of https://flic.kr/p/2iq3Y7J
Celebrating Our Story: Black Perspectives
Black History Month's first iteration was Negro History Week, created in February 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, known as the "father of Black history." This historian helped establish the field of African American studies and his organization, the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, aimed to encourage "people of all ethnic and social backgrounds to discuss the Black experience".
“Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history.”
― Carter G. Woodson
His organization was later renamed the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASAALH) and is currently the oldest historical society established for the promotion of African American history.
Written in an article by Alem Tedeneke Media Lead, Canada, Latin America and Sustainable Development Goals, World Economic Forum: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/01/black-history-month-what-is-it-and-why-do-we-need-it/
Nikki McComb, "Taken" photo exhibit
Through Thursday, February 24
Library and Learning Center ,Gordon Parks Gallery
“Taken” features the photographs of Minneapolis artist Nikki McComb in this solo exhibit at Gordon Parks Gallery in celebration of Black History Month. https://www.metrostate.edu/calendar/taken-gordon-parks-gallery
Music and Stories: Understanding Historical Trauma Through Lived Experiences
Friday, February 11, 5:30–7 p.m.
School of Urban Education
An evening of musical performances and stories of lived experiences, culture, ancestry, and history from four presenters. There will be an open dialogue to support students, faculty, and staff to interpret and understand historical trauma, political, economic, social, and racial oppressions. The event will open and close with music stories from jazz musicians Babatunde Lea and Navin Chettri.
Information at https://www.metrostate.edu/calendar/music-and-stories-understanding
Register at https://minnstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYlceGsrz0iHdLBkZtlKGZMTo5ozj7fL0oR
Honoring Our Black Faculty at Metropolitan State University—Panel Discussion
February 17, 1:15 – 2:30 p.m.
Register in advance: https://minnstate.zoom.us/j/96436074791
Panelists:
- Dr. Willie Winston, Professor, Human Services
- Dr. Derrick Crim, Professor for Alcohol Drug and Counseling (ADC) Undergraduate Program, Human Services
- Dr. Denise E. Williams, Professor, College of Management, Entrepreneurship, and Human Resources Management
Hear faculty members share their personal, lived experience and their viewpoints as to why they decided to work at the University. Also, learn how we will be able to make them feel appreciated, valued, and supported.
Detoxifying From Anti-Blackness
February 22, 3–4:30 p.m.
Register in advance: https://minnstate.zoom.us/j/92028884953
Speaker Marcellus Davis is Brooklyn Park, Minnesota’s first racial equity, diversity and Inclusion Manager. According to the Sun Post Newspaper, “A resident of Brooklyn Park, Dr. Davis is excited to join the Brooklyn Park team to provide strategic leadership, in collaboration with city leaders and staff, to advance racial equity, diversity and inclusion.”
Racial Justice, Civil Rights and Fighting the Power
February 28, 3–4:30 p.m.
Register in advance: https://minnstate.zoom.us/j/98710768656
Nekima Levy Armstrong, J.D.: legal scholar, former tenured law professor, civil rights lawyer, freedom fighter, legal scholar, nationally recognized expert and founding director of the Community Justice Project.
Speaker Corenia Smith
February 22, time to be determined
College of Liberal Arts
Corenia Smith (she/her) is a local organizer, campaign director, and a Metro alum. She ran the Yes4Minneapolis campaign here in Minneapolis, which would have allowed for the creation of a comprehensive Department of Public Safety to take a public health approach to violence and harm in our communities—rather than sending in police for every call for help. She will speak about her experiences on the campaign and what she learned about the national movement to end police violence through her work.