Feb. 1 marked the beginning of Black History Month, a nationwide observance recognizing the achievements and often-overlooked contributions of Black Americans throughout history.
This year’s national theme is “A Century of Black History Commemorations” celebrating 100 years of Black History Month which originated in 1926. Southern Illinois University Carbondale will observe Black History Month by hosting a series of events and activities throughout February.
The university will kick off the celebration Monday, Feb. 2, with a keynote address by Sarah Lewis in the Student Center Ballroom. Lewis is an award-winning author and a professor of African and African American studies and humanities at Harvard University. Her TED talk about embracing near wins has earned millions of views on YouTube and her writing has received multiple awards.
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The City of Carbondale and the Carbondale Branch NAACP will be celebrating with an “At the Table” Dinner and Dialogue on Tuesday, Feb. 2, at the Carbondale Civic Center. Doors will open at 5 p.m., and dinner and dialogue begins at 5:30 p.m. This event will allow for a range of topics like culture, history and racial hearing to be discussed between community members.
On Wednesday, Feb. 4, a lecture addressing racial bias in medicine will be held at noon in the Guyon Auditorium at Morris Library.
Two events are scheduled for Friday, Feb. 6, on SIU’s campus. Beginning at 11:30 a.m., the “Voices of Impact: Celebrating Black Alumni Changemakers” event will be held in Ballroom B of the Student Center. For a $25 entry fee, attendees will hear from multiple SIU alumni as they discuss their impact on lives and careers. This is the only Black History Month event hosted by the university that requires an admission fee.
Later that evening, at 6 p.m., Mike Glenn will host a Living Legends Ceremony at the Banterra Center.
On Saturday, Feb. 7, from 2 to 4 p.m., there will be an unveiling of the Dr. Melvin Terrell Special Collection at Morris Library, the Hall of Presidents, and the Terrell Atrium in Faner Hall. Terrel will be recognized for his service toward changing lives in his community.
On Monday following the weekend, a Financial Impact event will be held at 5 p.m. in the Student Services Building. This event qualifies for Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leadership Certificate credit, which assists students toward earning their ADEI certificate.
On Tuesday, Feb. 10, a panel commemorating the achievements of Black women over the past 100 years will take place at 5 p.m. in the Guyon Auditorium at Morris Library.
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On Thursday, Feb. 12, a Black Togetherness Meet and Greet and informational session will be held at 5:30 p.m. in Grinnell Hall.
On Friday, Feb. 13, Heart 2 Heart will present a talk titled “Navigating Relationships and Mental Health During and After College” at noon in Rooms 150/160 of the Student Services Building.
On Saturday, Feb. 14, a Black Business Expo will take place beginning at 9 a.m., in rooms 150/160 of the Student Services Building.
Off campus, on Saturday, Feb. 14, at 11 a.m., local historian and author Darrel Dexter will present a talk at the Carbondale Public Library on the history of abolitionists and the Underground Railroad in Illinois, including how they used Illinois Central railroad tracks in their efforts to seek freedom.
On Monday, Feb. 16, a screening of “Never Been a Time” will be held at 3 p.m., in the Guyon Auditorium at Morris Library.
On Tuesday, Feb. 17, a panel commemorating the achievements of Black men over the past 100 years will take place at Morris Library’s Guyon Auditorium.
On Thursday, Feb. 19, a trip to the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee will entail sites like the Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated and numerous exhibits that highlight the history of the U.S. Civil Rights movement. Students who wish to attend can reach out to Dinal Timmons via email or sign up at the student Multicultural Resource Center front desk. Departure is scheduled for 8 a.m.
On Sunday, Feb. 22, the First United Methodist Church will be holding a Black Alumni Musician Performance, beginning at 2 p.m.
Later that evening, at 5 p.m., in the student center, Ballroom D, a variety show will be on display featuring music and dance. Organizers also have arranged for numerous vendors to sell items.
Following the weekend, a Black History Scholar Bowl will be held Monday, Feb. 23, at 6 p.m., in the Old Main Room of the Student Center.
A Black Intern Experience event will be held Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 5 p.m., in the Old Main Room of the Student Center.
On Friday, Feb. 27, at noon, a panel discussion on “Blacks in Government” will take place in the Guyon Auditorium at Morris Library. Panelists will include SIU alumni and community members who currently work or have previously worked in government. Carbondale Mayor Carolin Harvey is scheduled to attend, along with several African American members of the U.S. Army.
The monthlong celebration will conclude Saturday, Feb. 28, with an Ebony Ball at 7 p.m. in the Student Center ballrooms.
While celebrating history and achievements throughout the month of February, SIU has also partnered with the City of Carbondale and Mayor Carolin Harvery in sponsoring a food drive. Nonperishable food times are encouraged to be brought to each event taking place on campus. All donations will go to the Saluki Food pantry, the Salvation Army and other local food banks.
Reporter Leo Castro can be reached at [email protected]
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