February’s Black History Month at Colorado State University is featuring a variety of events designed to instill a sense of pride and confidence in Black/African American people.
Organizers from CSU’s Black/African American Cultural Center are leaning into this year’s theme — “Black Destiny Month: Redesigning Our Future” — providing a new take on annual favorites such as the hair show and the opening and closing ceremonies for the monthlong celebration.
The month kicks off on Thursday, Feb. 1, in the Lory Student Theatre at 4 p.m. with an evening of community, learning and inspiring chats about this year’s theme.
B/AACC Director Duan Ruff explained that a student discussion on Carter G. Woodson — the venerated American responsible for the establishment of Black History Month — served as the catalyst for the theme, adding that CSU student Joshua Duran played a key role in the ideation.
“Carter G. Woodson wanted to make sure that through Black History Month, you instill inspiration, confidence and pride in people,” Ruff said. “So, when you know what your culture has contributed to society, it inspires you to create something new for the future — to be the next generation of inspiration.”
Black History Month calendar
For the latest information on Black History Month events at CSU, visit the Black/African American Cultural Center at baacc.colostate.edu/resources/calendar.
When community members attend the hair show in Lory Student Theatre on Feb. 22 at 5:30 p.m., they will experience a program that encapsulates Black beauty, style and culture through creative hair styling, striking fashions and a talent showcase. Ruff explained that fashion is a new component to the popular annual event. He added that there also will be a market throughout the event featuring Black student entrepreneurs and local vendors.
Attendees can expect an interactive evening at the Fashion/Hair Show, in which contestants will compete for prizes judged by a panel as well as the audience. The event also will include a musical performance, which is still in the works, Ruff said.
“We really wanted to beef up the event,” he said. “We’re trying to create a space during Black History Month where Black artists can have a voice.”
As in previous years, the month will include discussions in the Black/African American Cultural Center at the Lory Student Center on important issues around race, gender and culture. There also will be film watch parties. On Feb. 27, there will be a screening of “The Cost of Inheritance,” a documentary that explores the complexities surrounding reparations in the U.S.
On Feb. 29 at 6:30 p.m., the month will conclude with an open mic night in which the CSU community will be invited to the Iris & Michael Smith Alumni Center to take the stage to perform spoken word poetry, comedy, music and other artistic performances. Prior to the open mic, there will be a Black History Month Meal at the Ram’s Horn Dining Hall with Black cuisine.
Ruff explained that the events throughout the month build on the “Redesigning Our Future” theme, while still acknowledging the past.
“The idea of redesigning the future is not necessarily saying it is bad,” he said, “but sometimes, you want to evaluate things, look at them from a different perspective and see where you want to go from here.”
CSU Theatre: Fairview
In addition to the Black History Month events in February, organizers are encouraging CSU community members to attend the 2019 Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, “Fairview,” at the University Center for the Arts in March. The play — directed by Associate Professor of African American of Ethnic Studies Ray Black — offers a candid examination of race in contemporary American society. learn more
