2019 Black History Month celebration underway
Photo courtesy of: University Communications and MarketingPerformances from student dance groups are often a part of the Black History Month celebration
Ohio University has numerous Black History Month events scheduled throughout February. This year’s national theme is "Black Migrations."
The Association for the Study of African American Life and History said the theme focuses on "the movement of African Americans to new destinations and subsequently to new social realities."
Ohio University Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion Dr. Gigi Secuban said she encourages everyone to come out and support this year’s Ohio University Black History Month programming.
“Because no one can question the important role that people of African descent have played in the growth and development of the United States, we all need to use this month as a set aside time to reflect on and appreciate the amazing contributions that have not only been given to our great country but to the rest of the world.” said Dr. Secuban.
Winsome Chunnu, strategic director for diversity and inclusion and multicultural programs and initiatives, shared that she is excited about OHIO’s Black History Month events.
“We have a diverse list of programs scheduled, and we hope everyone will come out and support these events,” Chunnu said.
Visit OHIO’s Multicultural Programs and Center online for a complete list of Black History Month events.
Celebrating Black History Month at Ohio University
February 2019
Know Your Rights (hosted by BSCPB and Kappa Alpha Psi)
Wednesday, Feb. 13 at 6 p.m.
Multicultural Center - Multipurpose Room (Baker University Center 219)
Celebration of Black Love (Day 1)
"Love and Basketball" Movie Screening (hosted by Kappa Alpha Psi)
Thursday, Feb. 14 at 7 p.m.
Porter Hall
Celebration of Black Love (Day 2)
Love Sex and Romance (hosted by Kappa Alpha Psi, Kaleidoscope and BSCPB)
Friday, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m.
Baker University Center Theatre
About Black Love Day (BLD): BLD was founded in 1993 by Ayo Handy Kendi, founder/director of the African American Holiday Association. BLD is an African-centered, alternative to the commercial Valentine's Day with the spiritual goals of: encouraging: 1) black self-love instead of self-hatred; 2) increased peace to stop violence; 3) racial healing.
“Through the Eyes of Time: A Recital to Celebrate Black History Month”
Sunday, Feb. 17 from 2 - 4 p.m.
Glidden Recital Hall
About the event: Ohio University School of Music faculty members Kyle Berkley, tenor, and Wendy Blackwood, piano. The performance spotlights the many contributions made by African-American composers and poets to the field of classical music. With an emphasis on art song and African-American spirituals, it will also trace the influence of these artists on 20th and 21st-century composers.
Accessible OHIO Resource Fair
Monday, Feb. 18 from 2 - 4 p.m
Baker University Center second floor lobby
About the event: Ohio University Student Senate is sponsoring the Resource Fair to create awareness about the many accessibility services available on campus and in the community. Representatives from many campus and area services will be in attendance to answer questions and provide more information. For a list of Athens Campus and local accessibility services visit https://www.ohio.edu/uc/sas/athens-student-resources.
Race in American Media (Ft. Greg Lee)
Wednesday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m.
Schoonover Center (Room 145)
About the event: Greg Lee, the managing editor with The Athletic/ D.C., has had a celebrated career as a sports journalist. Lee has been a senior editor at The Boston Globe, The South Florida Sun Sentinel, The Washington Post and NBA.com. But more than being an editor, he has been a leader in focusing attention on diversity, gender and inclusion. Lee, a former president of the National Association of Black Journalists, and one of the first black sports journalist to graduate from the Scripps School.
RENT 20th Anniversary Tour
Tuesday, Feb. 26 at 7:30 p.m.
Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium
About RENT: This Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award®-winning masterpiece returns to the stage in a vibrant 20th anniversary touring production. A re-imagining of Puccini's La Bohème, RENT follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. With its inspiring message of joy and hope in the face of fear, this timeless celebration of friendship and creativity reminds us to measure our lives with the only thing that truly matters — love.
To learn more about OHIO’s Multicultural Programs and Center, connect with them online or contact them via phone at 740-593-4027. The Multicultural Programs and Center is part of Ohio University’s Office for Diversity and Inclusion.