A variety of events will be taking place in February on the Colorado State University campus to celebrate Black History month, including a lecture by political activist and scholar Angela Davis.
“We are very excited to have Angela Davis be our guest speaker,” said Bridgette Johnson, director of the Black/African American Cultural Center. “She’s going to add a dimension to campus that we have not had before, which is especially important in these times we’re living in, and considering how much work stills need to be done when it comes to social justice, equity and inclusion.”
Davis’ talk, which is sold out, begins at 7 p.m. Feb. 6 in the Lory Student Center Theatre.
Johnson said other highlights of the month’s events include guest speaker Lecia Brooks of the Southern Poverty Law Center, who will deliver the keynote speech for “Rising Hate in America,” which begins at 5 p.m. in the LSC Cherokee Park Room on Feb. 8.
Another highlight is the “Being Black” series, which includes “Being Black and Disabled” on Feb. 22, “Being Black and Transgender” on March 1 and “Being Black and Undocumented” on Feb. 15. The latter features guest speaker Jonathan Jayes-Green, founder of the UndocuBlack Network.
“It is an excellent series because it sheds light on other dimensions of being black,” Johnson said. “It addresses black people with multiple marginalized identities. It is important to recognize that black people are not just one dimension.”
The theme of this year’s Black History Month is “A Rose That Grew From The Concrete,” a phrase borrowed from a poem by Tupac Shakur. The kickoff event, which will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Feb. 1 in LSC Ballrooms A and B, will feature refreshments, music and dance.
In addition, the Aspen Grille at the LSC will be offering a three-course special for Black History Month on Feb. 15 and 16.
A full list of activities can be found on the Black/African American Cultural Center website.
Black History Month events
Jan. 31 – Thirst for Knowledge: The Legacy of Black Greek Tradition, 4 to 5:30 p.m., LSC 372-374
Feb. 1 – Black History Month Kickoff, 4 to 6 p.m., LSC Ballroom A & B
Feb. 2 – A Few Black Inventors Who Changed the World, drop in 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., LSC 328-330
Feb. 3 – Say It Loud Cultural Expo, 6 p.m., LSC Theatre
Feb. 4 – Meet the Greeks, 4 to 6:30 p.m., Cherokee Park Ballroom
Feb. 6 – Real Talk: Embracing our Culture: Africans and African Americans, 4 to 5 p.m., LSC 335
Feb. 6 – Angela Davis, 7 p.m., LSC Theatre
Feb. 8 – Rising Hate in America, 5 p.m., LSC Cherokee Park, keynote speaker Lecia Brooks
Feb. 13 – Real Talk: Interracial Love, 4 to 5 p.m., LSC 335
Feb. 13 – Expressions of Love Poetry Night, 6 p.m., LSC Theatre
Feb. 14 – Sex 4 Chocolate, 6 p.m., LSC 386
Feb. 15 – Being Black & Undocumented, 4 to 5:30 p.m., LSC 322
(Lunch at the Aspen Grille will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., for reservations call 970-491-7006)
Feb. 16 – BSA Comedy Show Hosted by Nate Jackson, 6 p.m., LSC Theatre,
(Lunch at the Aspen Grille will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., for reservations call 970-491-7006)
Feb. 17 – Stepping Through the Decades Step Show, hosted by Nate Jackson Show, 6 p.m., LSC Theatre
Feb. 20 – Real Talk: Black Hair, 4 to 5 p.m., LSC 335
Feb. 21 – Black is/Black Ain’t, 6 p.m., LSC 335
Feb. 22 – Being Black and Disabled, 4 to 5:30 p.m., LSC 322
Feb. 26 – Rams for Social Justice: A Student’s Role in Creating Change, 6 p.m., LSC 382
Feb. 27 – Real Talk: How Far Have We Come, 4 to 5 p.m., LSC 335
Feb. 28 – InnatelyU Liberation Circles (registration required) and closing celebration, 7:30 p.m.
March 1 – Being Black & Gender Non-Binary, 4 to 5:30 p.m., LSC 376
