Singing, cinema and celebrities highlight Black History Month

UC celebrates the achievements and contributions of African-Americans during February events, including comedian Marlon Wayans, CCM performances and a black tie gala

Woven into the fabric of UC’s bicentennial history are stories of African-American broad-minded thinkers who demanded change, broke down barriers and paved the way for UC’s African American Studies Program and the African American Cultural & Resource Center (AACRC).

February Black History Month events help mark two centuries of African-American achievements, contributions and their inclusive impact on the University of Cincinnati, a key component of the University of Cincinnati's Next Lives Here strategic direction.

Celebratory events include musical performances, movie nights, symposia and a night of lighthearted comedy with international comedic star Marlon Wayans.

Join events on UC campuses throughout February

Black History Month Opening Ceremony, sponsored by UC African American Cultural & Resource Center

Friday, Feb. 1, 4 p.m., Zimmer Hall

The opening ceremony is the kickoff to UC’s 2019 Black History Month programs. The theme, “Black Ascension: Our History Towards Afrofuturism,” is free and open to the public. 

For more information, contact Eric Watford or Alberto Jones.

 

Black History Month Cinema Series, sponsored by UC African American Cultural & Resource Center

Feb. 1-27, 8-10 p.m., third floor VR room, McMicken Hall

Enjoy pizza and popcorn for “Family Friendly Film Night” with members of the UC community, your children, family and friends. We provide the pizza, popcorn and great movies, you bring your own blankets and pillows.

Feb 1 - "More Than a Month"

Feb 4 - "Selma"

Feb 6 - "Purple Rain"

Feb 8* - "The Help"

Feb 11 - "Imitation of Life"

Feb 13 - "Black Dynamite"

Feb 15* - "Coming to America"

Feb 18 - "Black Panther"

Feb 20 - "School Daze"

Feb 25 - "The Color Purple"

Feb 27 - "C.S.A.: Confederate States of America"

*We've designated Fridays as PC-13 "Family-Friendly Film Night." Members of the UC community are invited to bring their children, family and friends.

For more information, contact Ty Bealer.

 

Historic Black Church Tour, sponsored by UC’s Department of History

Every Sunday in February

Every Sunday in February, the UC Department of History will lead a tour of historic black churches in Cincinnati. Churches in the 2019 tour are exclusively featured from the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) denomination, in celebration of being the first, independent Protestant denomination founded specifically for blacks in the United States.

The tour will include:

Feb 3 - Allen Temple AME, 7030 Reading Rd., service 9:50 a.m.

Feb 10 - Bethel AME Church, 700 Mulberry St., service 11 a.m.

Feb 17 - Grace AME Church, 1627 Fairfax Ave., service 10:30 a.m.

Feb 24 - Quinn Chapel AME, 10998 Southland Rd., service 9:30 a.m.

If you can give a ride or need a ride to church, meet the caravan in front of McMicken Hall approximately 45 minutes ahead of each church service. The caravan will leave McMicken Hall approximately 30 minutes prior to each service, so don't be late. And don't forget to bring $1 for the collection plate.

 

HIV/AIDS Awareness event, sponsored by UC African American Cultural & Resource Center

Monday, Feb. 4, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., AACRC

Everyone has a status. If you don't know yours visit the AACRC for free HIV testing provided by the Student Wellness Center and Caracole, Inc.

 

UC Blue Ash Black History Month Kick-Off, sponsored by UCBA Office of Multicultural Affairs

Monday, Feb. 4, 12:30-2 p.m., Muntz Commons Hallway

Connect with UCBA African-American faculty, staff and students and learn about upcoming events and programs as they kick off their 2019 Black History Month celebration.

For more information, contact Nick Castro

 

'BlacKkKlansman,' sponsored by UC Division of Student Affairs Resident Education and Development

Thursday, Feb. 7, 7 p.m., MainStreet Cinema

Resident Education and Development will host a viewing of the movie 'BlacKkKlansman.' Entry and concessions are free.

 

'Black Love' Week, sponsored by United Black Student Association

Feb. 11-15 (time/location details to follow)

“Black Love” is a weeklong series of programs, activities and events featuring various expressions of love from a black perspective. Through creative expression, the UC community encourages each other and the Cincinnati community to demonstrate, receive and participate in various displays of black love.

For more information, contact Alberto Jones or Mercedes Jones

 

UC Blue Ash African American Read-In, sponsored by UCBA Office of Multicultural Affairs

Tuesday, Feb. 12, 12:30-2 p.m., Muntz Auditorium Lobby

Join special guest, Carol Tonge Mack, UC staff member and author of “Being Bernadette: From Polite Silence to Finding the Black Girl Magic Within.”

For more information, contact Nick Castro

 

'Seasons of Love' concert, sponsored by UC African American Cultural & Resource Center

Wednesday, Feb. 13, 7 p.m., AACRC

Celebrating Black Love Week, the United Black Student Association will feature the African American Cultural & Resource Center Choir in a Black Love Concert. “Seasons of Love” choir will perform popular love songs from oldies to current trending love music. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Eric Watford

 

Onyx and Ruby Gala, sponsored by UC Health

Saturday, Feb. 16, 6 p.m., Kingsgate Marriott, 151 Goodman St.

Recognize and celebrate the academic, professional and civic achievements of six UC African-American alumni, students and staff. Funds raised at the gala support the UC Shani Scholarship, which supports underrepresented students by providing funds to study abroad. Attendees enjoy a cocktail hour, dinner, dancing and a photo booth.

2019 awardees are: J. Phillip Holloman, receiving the Georgia E. Beasley Legacy Award; Michael Wright, receiving the Linda Bates Parker Legend Award; C. Keith Melvin, receiving the Pillar of the Community Award; Cheryll Dunn, receiving the Tower of Strength Award; Andrea Moore, receiving the Emerging Leader Award and Alberto Jones, receiving the Student Trailblazer Award.

For reservations

 

'Sister Speak: Let Your Voice Be Heard,' Black Women’s History Week, sponsored by UC Black Women on the Move

Week of Sunday, Feb. 17.-Friday, Feb. 22 

The week’s events address the rich history of black women achievers, authors and trailblazers throughout society. UC's Black Women on the Move — an affinity organization at UC with the purpose of helping black women staff connect, cultivate and climb — presents Black Women's History Week, themed "Sister Speak: Let Your Voice Be Heard."  

The group offers a platform for black women staff to network with black students and community members. Programs and events are in collaboration with UC’s AACRC; Sisters Impacting Sisters; Women's Center; Office of Equity & Inclusion; UC Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; and the UC Libraries.

For more information, contact Ewaniki Moore-Hawkins

 

Let’s Go to Church, sponsored by UC Black Women on the Move

Sunday, Feb. 17, 2 p.m., The Way Community Church, 946 Dana Ave., 45229 

Church service at The Way Community Church with Pastor Geneva Miller, UC Black Women on the Move executive team member. 

For more information, contact Geneva Miller

 

Sixth annual 'Sip and Paint,' sponsored by Sisters Impacting Sisters and UC Black Women on the Move

Poster with black woman in a head scarf for UC 2019 Black Hisgtory Month Sip and Paint event

Monday, Feb. 18, 5:30-7 p.m., AACRC, 60 W. Charlton 

Attend the sixth annual “Sip and Paint” specifically intended for African-American women administrators, faculty, staff and students to dialogue via creative painting activities while enjoying mocktails.  

Please RSVP by Feb. 14 with Geneva Miller (Space is limited)

Marlon Wayans, free comedy event, sponsored by UC’s Programs & Activities Council

Monday, Feb. 18, 8 p.m., TUC Great Hall

Marlon Wayans actor, producer, comedian, writer and film director has films that have grossed more than $736 million in domestic box office, an average of nearly $50 million per outing. As a stand-up comedian he is selling out nationwide and adding shows every weekend. He will be coming to UC's campus to have a 45- to 60-minute stand-up comedy performance for students. During this very stressful time of life in terms of school, work or whatever daily struggles we may have, it's important to have a good laugh and relaxing moment every now and then.

For more information, contact Mercedes Jones

 

Speak to a Sister Day, sponsored by UC Black Women on the Move

Tuesday, Feb. 19, All Day, All Campuses 

Make an intentional point of greeting, saluting and honoring a sister on campus. This can be done in your own special way. Help make a unified voice of love and support to be heard across all UC campuses. 

 

Fourth annual 'Tunnel of Oppression,' sponsored by UC Resident Education and Development  

Event poster with photo of students walking through a dark hallway for the Tunnel of Oppression event for UC's Black History Month 2019

Tuesday, Feb. 19, 1-6 p.m., TUC 4th floor

Become part of an interactive experience that includes interactive acting, monologues, multimedia and other forms of presentation. Participants walk through a guided tour filled with different experiences designed to display simulations of various types of discrimination and oppressions of marginalized groups.

For more information, contact RED Learning

 

Lunch & Learn, sponsored by UC Black Women on the Move 

Wednesday, Feb. 20, noon-1 p.m., AACRC, 60 W. Charlton 

Become part of a diverse and enlightening dialogue about the intriguing Photovoice project led by UC black women staff and faculty. Please bring your own lunch.  

For more information, contact Ewaniki Moore-Hawkins

 

‘Sister Speak: Published Edition,’ sponsored by UC Black Women on the Move and UC Libraries

Poster of six black women speakers for UC's 2019 Black Women on the Move program

Feb. 21, 6-8 p.m., AACRC, 60 W. Charlton

Come out and celebrate, meet, hear from and support black women authors and a publishing company comprised of UC staff, alum and affiliates. Mingle, enjoy light refreshments, learn from each author and each other and be part of the lively panel discussion.  

For more information or to rsvp, contact Ewaniki Moore-Hawkins  

'The Revolution in Real Time,' third annual Black Feminist Symposium, sponsored by UC Women’s Center

Friday, Feb. 22, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., TUC 400 A,B,C (lunch in Great Hall)

Register to attend the Black Feminist Symposium. The one-day conference will focus on black feminist activism, leadership and research to uplift, amplify, historicize and recognize all black women (cis, trans and nonbinary) who are showing up for the realtime revolution. Black women continue to show up and show out, creating new forms of everyday activism and movements. In the streets, at the voting booths, in ongoing cultural work through art and writing and in the halls of Congress, black women are, as U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore says, getting “stuff done.” The goal for this year’s "The Revolution in Real Time" theme is to provide students, faculty, staff and the Greater Cincinnati community with an opportunity to engage with each other about race, gender and the diverse meanings of black womanhood, feminism and social movements through individual presentations, panel discussions, think tanks, creative workshops and more. 

For more information, contact Deb Marke

 

‘Sisters Impacting Sisters’ third annual brunch, sponsored by UC Black Women on the Move

Eggs and bacon for UC's 2019 Sister's Impacting Sisters brunch

Saturday, Feb. 23, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. AACRC Main Lounge   

Join students, faculty and staff for an invigorating dialogue as keynote speaker Brittney Miles, UC sociology grad student, discusses toxicity and healing. The event is co-sponsored by UC Black Women on the Move, UC AACRC, UC Women's Center and UC Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies.

Brunch catered by Paityn’s Place Soul Food Catering and Cuisine.   

Please RSVP, as space is limited. 

For more information, contact Mercedes Jones

 

Black History Month Trivia Contest, sponsored by UC African American Cultural & Resource Center

Monday, Feb. 25, 5 p.m., UC AACRC

As a salute to black male leadership, Ron Jackson, UC professor of communication and president of the National Communication Association will preview his new trivia game, "Black History Trivia Showdown." Come and enjoy the new fast-paced, addictive quiz game focused on cultural trivia, celebrating black achievements thoughout business, scholarship, sports, entertainment and politics.

Event is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact P. Eric Watford watfore@ucmail.uc.edu

 

'Put Yo Foot In It!' soul food cook-off, sponsored by UC Department of History

Thursday, Feb. 28, 10:30-11:30 a.m., UC AACRC

If you think you've got the best cornbread, collards or candied yams this side of the Ohio River; or your cobbler, mac-n-cheese or black-eyed peas make people wanna holler; or you're ready to shut down the cooking competition with your neckbones, turkey legs or your homeade sweet tea — sign up now to compete for the Golden Foot Award in a campuswide cooking competition. 

All competetors welcome — students, faculty, staff and administration.

To register

For more information, contact Holly McGee

 

UC Blue Ash Black History Month Closing Event, sponsored by UCBA Office of Multicultural Affairs

Thursday, Feb. 28, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Walters 100

Enjoy food, fellowship and fun.

For more information, contact Nick Castro

 

'Conversations in the City,' Zane L. Miller Symposium, sponsored by UC Department of History

Thursday, Feb. 28, 5:30 p.m., First Unitarian Church, 536 Linton St., Cinti. 45219

The third annual symposium focuses on concerns about the prominence of Charles McMicken, his known slave holding past and his relationship to the College of Arts and Sciences and elsewhere at UC. Because of a recent Student Senate vote to remove McMicken's name from the College of Arts and Sciences, UC President Neville Pinto has created a universitywide commission to exam the issue.

Conversations are designed to offer information and opportunities to listen to various perspectives on the question of removing McMicken’s name from the college, McMicken’s legacy and finding ways to open a safe dialogue regarding the university’s stated commitment to an environment of “equity and inclusion in 2019 and beyond.”

Event is free and open to the public.

UC speakers include:

  • David Stradling, associate dean for humanities, Zane L. Miller Professor of Urban History
  • Sinna Habteselassie, UC student body president
  • Ashley Nkadi, UC alum, co-founder Irate8, writer and social justice activist
  • Greg Hand, retired UC vice president for public relations, UC historian for Charles McMicken

5:30 p.m. - Opening reception, refreshments

6-7:30 p.m. - Panel and discussion

7:30 p.m. - Closing reception

For more information, contact Tracy Teslow

 

CCM Black Student Showcase, sponsored by UC College-Conservatory of Music

Thursday, Feb. 28, 7-8 p.m., CCM's Watson Hall

In celebration of Black History Month, CCM students will showcase various individual acts and a group performance. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Tondra Holt

 

What began in 1926 as a celebration of black history became an annual weeklong celebration during the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. By 1976, the United States government officially recognized Black History Month as an annual celebration of the contributions of and achievements by African-Americans and a time for recognizing their important role in U.S. history.

Spring Break 2019, sponsored by UC Department of History

Spring Break, March 16-19, Washington, D.C.

Visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. during spring break 2019. Four days, three nights, only $250. The first 20 Bearcats who contact professor Holly McGee with their M-number and a message saying "charge my account" will go to D.C.

For more information, contact Holly McGee

 

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Featured image at the top: Eric Abercrumbie (center), director of special initiatives in UC's Division of Student Affairs, inspires the members of UC's Tyehimba ceremony to join in the fun. photo/Joseph Fuqua II/UC Creative Services

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