UC Events Honor Black History Month with Something for Everyone

The University of Cincinnati will observe Black History Month through a variety of events – musical performances, panel discussions, film screenings, community service and more – throughout February.

Black History Month was officially recognized by the U.S. government 38 years ago in honor of African-Americans' contributions to society. The monthlong tribute was inspired by historian Carter G. Woodson's Negro History Week, an idea conceived in February 1925 and first celebrated a year later.

The spirit of Black History Month is reflected in UC's commitment to diversity. UC embraces

diversity and inclusion as core values

that empower individuals to transform their lives and achieve their highest potential.

"As we continue our conversations on race, this is an opportune time to reflect and learn about the history and contributions of African-Americans in society," says Chief Diversity Officer Bleuzette Marshall. "The variety of programming offers something for everyone. Active participation in our diversity and inclusion efforts will establish points of connection for more enriched dialogue throughout our university community."

As part of UC's annual observance, the

African American Cultural and Resource Center

(AACRC) will host a

series of events themed "Arts Leads."

The programming highlights various forms of artistic expression and acknowledges the significance of the arts in black history. Featured weekly platforms include fine art (Feb. 2-8); music (Feb. 9-15); theater and literature (Feb. 16-22); and dance (Feb. 23-28).   

The

Department of Africana Studies

will present a

"Movie Night" series

, featuring a different film each Tuesday night throughout the month. The series begins with "Unchained Memories: Readings from the Slave Narratives" on Feb. 4.

Also this month, the deans of the Academic Health Center's (AHC) four colleges will host the

speaker series "Diversity and Inclusion: Education, Collaboration and Transformation"

each Tuesday.

The UC Bookstores will have a

special selection of black history books available

for sale throughout February. Included in the sale are "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Malcolm X, "Warriors Don't Cry" by Melba Pattillo Beals, "Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr." by Martin Luther King Jr., "The Making of African America" by Ira Berlin, "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot, "Conversations with Myself" by Nelson Mandela, "Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention" by Manning Marable, "Nelson Mandela" by Kadir Nelson, "I and I Bob Marley" by Tony Medina, "The King Years" by Taylor Branch, "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela, "What Color Is My World?" by Kareem Abdul-Jabar and "We Shall Overcome" by Debbie Levy.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENTS AT UC

Here is a comprehensive list of planned Black History Month events at UC in chronological order:

Gospel Choir Event

11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 1, UC Blue Ash College (UCBA), Muntz Hall, Room 119

The event is presented by the Cincinnati Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs and hosted by UC Blue Ash. Admission is $20 for the club fundraiser.

Contact: 513-478-1218

Art Display

Feb. 3-7, AACRC

Enjoy a display of artwork presented by UC students.

Contact: 513-556-1177

Lunch & Learn

Noon-1 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 4, AACRC

Noel Anderson, assistant professor of fine arts in the College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP), will facilitate a discussion surrounding significant African-Americans and their contributions to fine arts. Light refreshments will be provided.

Contact: 513-556-1177

Diversity and Inclusion: Education, Collaboration and Transformation

Noon-1 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 4, Kresge Auditorium

Hosted by Greer Glazer, dean of the College of Nursing. "UC’s Diversity and Inclusion Plan for the Future,” presented by Bleuzette Marshall, UC's chief diversity officer. "Coaching Across Cultures,” presented by Tommie Lewis, president and CEO of Make It Plain Consulting.

Contact: Kelly Lyle at 513-558-7424 or kelly.lyle@uc.edu

"Unchained Memories: Readings from the Slave Narratives"

5-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 4, AACRC

This film showing is part of the Department of Africana Studies' "Movie Night" series.

Contact: 513-556-4446

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness

11:30 a.m., Friday, Feb. 7, UCBA, Muntz Hall lobby

Guest speaker will be Denisha Porter of the Cincinnati Health Department. Free HIV/AIDS screenings will be available from IV-Charis from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Contact: 513-745-5691

Habari Gani Ambassadors Words-Beats-Sounds

6-8 p.m., Monday, Feb. 10, Daniels Hall

This event provides an opportunity to analyze a collection of music, spoken word and visual art.

Contact: 513-556-1177

Speed Dating

6 p.m., Monday, Feb. 10, Tangeman University Center (TUC)

Speed dating with Northern Kentucky University. This event is part of Black Love Week.

Contact: 513-556-1177

Diversity and Inclusion: Education, Collaboration and Transformation

1-2 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 11, Medical Sciences Building, Room E-351

Hosted by Elizabeth King, dean of the College of Allied Health Sciences. "Culturally Competent Care,” presented by Charla Weiss, human resource consultant in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. "Diverse by Design,” presented by Mary Stagaman, executive director of Agenda 360.

Contact: Kelly Lyle at 513-558-7424 or kelly.lyle@uc.edu

"Ethnic Notions"

5-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 11, AACRC

This film showing is part of the Department of Africana Studies' "Movie Night" series.

Contact: 513-556-4446

Trip to Sky Zone

7-9 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 11, Sky Zone in Springdale

Transportation will be provided. This event is part of Black Love Week.

Contact: 513-556-1177

Bridging the Gap

1 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 12, UCBA, Walters Hall, Room 100

The “meet and greet” event features African-American faculty and staff.

Contact: 513-745-5691

Valentine's Day Treats and Community Service

2 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 12, Winton Hills Academy

Participate in community service with the Sankofa Brotherhood at Winton Hills Academy. Transportation will be provided. This event is part of Black Love Week.

Contact: 513-556-1177

AACRC Choir Love Concert

6-7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 12, AACRC

Enjoy the season of love with the musical sound of the AACRC Choir.

Contact: 513-556-1177

Lunch & Learn

Noon-1 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 13, AACRC

Presenter P. Eric Abercrumbie, executive director for Student Affairs Diversity & Community Relations, will host a discussion about the major black musical entities who made significant contributions to UC's campus. By pinpointing the parallels, contributions and the progression of these major black musical entities, Abercrumbie will project the future of the black musical legacy by identifying groups who are challenged to "carry the torch." Light refreshments will be provided.

Contact: 513-556-1177

"Situationships": Does Monogamy Still Work In the Black Community?

6 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 13, location is to be determined

This event is part of Black Love Week.

Contact: 513-556-1177

Love Jones

6:11-8 p.m., Feb. 14, TUC's Catskeller

The Beta Eta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity will host "Love Jones," an open-mic night with a focus on love, relationships and romance. If you'd like to perform or for more information, contact the chapter. This event is part of Black Love Week.  

Contact: 513-556-1177

Diversity and Inclusion: Education, Collaboration and Transformation

Noon-1 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 18, Kresge Auditorium

Hosted by Neil MacKinnon, dean of the James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy. "Health Disparities,” presented by Stephen Wilson, internal medicine/pediatrics physician at MercyHealth. "Culture and Environment,” presented by James Page, vice president in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

Contact: Kelly Lyle at 513-558-7424 or kelly.lyle@uc.edu

"Slavery By Another Name: The Re-enslavement of African Americans from the Civil War to World War II"

5-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 18, AACRC

This film showing is part of the Department of Africana Studies' "Movie Night" series.

Contact: 513-556-4446

Behind the Scenes

6 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 18, AACRC

From the Harlem Renaissance to current queer people of color in theater and literature, this event will examine the lives of those you thought you knew and those that have been lost along the way. The event is a collaboration with the AACRC, UC LGBTQ Center and UC Blue Ash Multicultural Affairs.

Contact: 513-556-1177

Sister Circle

11:30 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 19, UCBA, Muntz Hall lobby

An African American Woman Support Group event.

Contact: 513-745-5691

“The Butler” Movie Premiere

6 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 19, AACRC

The campus premiere of the movie “The Butler” will be followed by a discussion led by 4A-African American Alumni Affiliate. Popcorn and other concessions will be available. The event is co-sponsored by AACRC, 4A and PR1ZE.

Contact: 513-556-1177

Lunch & Learn

Noon-1 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 20, AACRC

Joi M. Sears, actor/activist with Free People International, will facilitate a discussion surrounding significant African-Americans and their contributions to theater and literature.

Contact: 513-556-1177

Black Girls Rock

5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 22, TUC's MainStreet Cinema

The Beta Eta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity will host the third annual program that seeks to build the self-esteem and self-worth of young women of color by highlighting and recognizing the achievements of African-American students, faculty and staff at UC. Five students to be honored are Amara Agomuo, Makeda Matthews, Dymonica Hurdle, Johnneca Johnson and Olivia Smith. Five faculty and staff members to be honored are Robin Martin, Nicole Ausmer, Karen Bankston, LaDreka Karikari and Sha-Kim Ray. This event is free and open to the campus community. There will be a live band, refreshments and a surprise guest speaker.

Contact: 513-556-1177

Sisters Impacting Sisters “Sip & Paint”

6 p.m., Monday, Feb. 24, AACRC

Enjoy "mocktails" while painting images of African-American women and dance. Only 50 spots are available, and reservations are encouraged.

Contact: Tamar Kinebrew at kinebrte@ucmail.uc.edu

25th African American Read-In

11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 25, UCBA, Muntz Hall lobby

The event is presented by UCBA Multicultural Affairs and UCBA Library.

Contact: 513-745-5691

Lunch & Learn

Noon, Tuesday, Feb. 25, AACRC

Bi-Okoto Cultural Institute will facilitate an interactive discussion surrounding significant African-Americans and their contributions to dance.

Contact: 513-556-1177

Diversity and Inclusion: Education, Collaboration and Transformation

Noon-1 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 25, Kresge Auditorium

Hosted by Thomas Boat, dean of the College of Medicine. "University of Cincinnati Open School,” a panel discussion presented by UC Open School faculty and students.

Contact: Kelly Lyle at 513-558-7424 or kelly.lyle@uc.edu

"School Daze"

5-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 25, AACRC

This film showing is part of the Department of Africana Studies' "Movie Night" series.

Contact: 513-556-4446

In Living Color: Black Student History at UC

6-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 26, AACRC

United Black Student Association will host a panel of African-American alumni to talk about their experiences at UC. Light refreshments will be provided.

Contact: 513-556-1177