MU Celebrates Black History: Top Can’t-Miss Events in February

As Black History Month honors the achievements of African Americans in U.S. History, Methodist University is proud to help its students, faculty and staff celebrate Black history throughout the month.

Black History Month is observed in February because of the birthdays of two important men in the fight to end slavery, Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln. Originally slated in the second week of February in 1926, the celebration was expanded to the entire month in 1976.

“Celebrating and honoring Black History Month at Methodist University is important because Black history is largely ignored in mainstream education at all levels,” said Dr. Carla Fagan, MU’s Social Work program director and member of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion advisory board. “MU celebrates diversity and works to educate the MU community about diversity. In an ideal world, Black History Month would not be necessary, but we are very far from an ideal world. Therefore, we share a responsibility to educate our community about the history and contributions of the African-American community during Black History Month.”

Not only is Methodist University ranked the No. 1 most diverse university in North Carolina, but  MU also has a Student Belonging & Inclusion team and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion office to ensure diversity is integrated into the fabric of everyday life on campus.

To honor Black history, Methodist University is hosting the following free events in February:

• 1 Black History Month Kickoff (Noon – 2 p.m., Berns Student Center): The Student Belonging & Inclusion team will setup a table with giveaways and information related to Black History Month.
• 2 & 3 The Talk (Performance: 6-8 p.m. on Feb. 2; Workshop: 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 3, Huff Concert Hall): Made possible by MU’s Union-Zukowski Endowment for Multicultural Understanding, Dr. Sonny Kelly – a scholar, writer and performer – will bring an eclectic theatrical experience that weaves together interactive theater, a dynamic embodied performance and a multimedia production. A performance and workshop will focus on the difficult conversations Black people must have with their children.
• 3 Black Student Union Table (11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Berns Student Center): MU’s Black Student Union will host an information table with ways students can get involved with the organization.
• 7 Black History Month Trivia (7-9 p.m., Hendricks 122): The Student Belonging & Inclusion team will challenge MU students’ knowledge of Black history. Prizes are available to winners!
• 13 Womack Lecture (11 a.m. & 1 p.m., Medical Lecture Hall): As a part of MU’s Womack Lecture Series, Dr. Marla Frederick – the Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Religion and Culture at Emory University—will speak on two topics: “The Courage to Build, Black Religion and the Development of HBCUS” and “Why Christianity Needs Critical Race Theory”.
• 15 Lunch and Learn (11 a.m. – Noon, Alumni Dining Hall): The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion office will host a discussion about what Black History Month means to MU students. Lunch will be provided.
• 15 Black Love Movie (7 p.m., Hendricks 122): This relaxing night will showcase a film that celebrates black love.
• 22 SAC and BSU Poetry Slam (9 p.m., Berns Student Center): A professional poet will visit MU’s campus and discuss how students can express themselves through poetry.
• 28 Black History Month Reflections (all day, throughout campus): On the final day of Black History Month, Black Student Union members will ask students across campus what they learned this month and what Black History month means to them. Some answers may appear on social media!

To find the latest, up-to-date information on these events, along with the contact information for each event, visit MU’s Events Calendar.

Note: Throughout February, the University’s “MU Celebrates Black History” series will highlight events and successes of the Black community on campus. You can follow the series by keeping tabs on MU’s social media platforms and the MU News webpage.