˿Ƶ Kicks off Black History Month Celebrations
Throughout the month of February, the University of ˿Ƶ – Fort Smith will host a slate of events honoring and celebrating Black History.
This year’s Black History Month theme, “Keeping Hope Alive,” pays homage to the social institutions that have coalesced to form the bedrock of Black hope in America. Education, government, and religion have historically been and remain integral cornerstones of African American success, said Lynette Thrower, chair of the Black History Month committee.
“Keeping Hope Alive examines the history, current state, and future of these institutions for African Americans through in-depth panel discussions, such as “Trends in Education” and the “Intersection of Religion and Politics,” as well as through the lenses of the “Now and Then” and “˿Ƶ African American Legislators – 1863-1898" exhibitions. Other areas of historical examination include a lecture on “Shaping Freedom in Post-Civil War ˿Ƶ” and a multi-generational conversation on the African American barbershop as a hub for information exchange and inspiration,” Thrower said.
Events kicked off with a craft talk and lecture with two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Colson Whitehead.
The full slate of events includes:
2 - 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7Ongoing Events include:
Colson Whitehead: Craft Talk
Windgate Art and Design Theatre
6 - 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7
5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9
An Evening with Colson Whitehead
Book Signing to Follow
Stubblefield Center
River Valley Black Business Panel Center for Economic Development
Noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15
The Bakery District
Walking Tour of Photo Exhibition: “Now and Then: A Celebration of Black History in Fort Smith”
Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center Main Hallway
1:30 - 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15
6 - 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16
Lecture: “Shaping Freedom in Post-Civil War ˿Ƶ” Dr. Kelly Jones, Assistant Professor of History
Discussion to Follow
Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center Reynolds Room
Film: “The Fabric of Fort Smith” with Introduction by Mayor George B. McGill
Discussion to Follow
Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center Reynolds Room
6 - 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17
6 - 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27
Perspectives on Black History: The Intersection of Religion and Politics
Windgate Art and Design Theatre
State of the City Address - The Honorable George B. McGill, Mayor of Fort Smith
Reception to Follow
Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center Reynolds Room
6 - 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21
Noon to 1 p.m. Mon. & Tues., Feb. 27 – 28
Panel Discussion: “Perspectives on Black History: Trends in Education and the Future of Learning”
Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center Room 129
Film at the Fireplace: “The Fabric of Fort Smith”
Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center Fireplace 6 - 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28
“Barbershop Talk: The Black Barbershop as a Hub for Information, Inspiration, and Intellect”
Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center Reynolds Room
Feb. 6 – 28
Feb. 16 - March 9
Photo Exhibition: “Now and Then: A Celebration of Black History in Fort Smith”
Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center Main Hallway
Traveling Exhibition: “˿Ƶ African American Legislators 1868-1893” Boreham Library Second Floor RotundaFeb. 1-28
Black Lions social media profile series at the ˿Ƶ Instagram and Facebook.
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