Black History Month Presents Speakers, Films

By Connect Mason Reporter Jana Barbir

February is Black History Month, a tribute to African-Americans whose extraordinary accomplishments changed history. Mason is commemorating these individuals with a series of social, academic and co-curricular programs that engage student leadership, explore African heritage, and address this year’s theme: “Celebrate, Educate and Elevate.”

Listen to Calvin Haney, the assistant director for Diversity Programs and Services, talk about this year's Black History Month theme:

A Selection of Events

Wednesday, Feb. 6
Career Services and The African Studies Department offer career advice and networking opportunities for students of color from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Paul Robeson Research and Resource Room and from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in The Johnson Center West Lounge.

Thursday, Feb. 7
The Mooreland-Spingarn Research Center from Howard University will feature “Legacy: Treasures in Black History, a Presentation and Discussion,” a photo journal essay of the black experience from slavery to contemporary times. This event is presented by the Association of Black Faculty and Staff from noon to 2 p.m. in the Johnson Center, Room C.

Catch the film “Imitation of Life” showing in the JC Cinema at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 20
Tyrone Forman, assistant professor of sociology and African American studies at The University of Illinois at Chicago, presents the annual W.E.B. Dubois Lecture.

Thursday, Feb. 26
The celebration concludes with several events, featuring guest speaker Akindele Akinyemi, a member of the black leadership network Project 21 and co-founder of One Network, in the JC Cinema at 7 p.m.

Other activities during the month include The Hip-Hop Summit, a fundraiser dance party, several movie showings, panel discussions and more.

For more information, click here (PDF) for the event calendar or contact the Office of Diversity Programs and Services with any questions - 703-993-2700.