The University of Illinois Springfield will celebrate Black History Month in February with a variety of events designed to educate and raise awareness. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Bridging the Gap”.
Saturday, Jan. 31
Candle Light Vigil – “Commemorating Lives That Still Matter”
Students and community members are invited to participate in a Candle Light Vigil honoring the lives of those who lost their lives at the hands of another person. The vigil will be held from 11 a.m. to Noon under the Brookens Library overhang, outside of the building facing the quad.
Monday, Feb. 2
Soup and Conversation: “What does leadership look like?”
The Black Male Collegiate Society and Black Student Union will hold a Soup and Conversation event exploring “What does leadership look like?” The event is open to students and will take place from 1-3 p.m. in the Diversity Center.
Wednesday Feb. 4 & Tuesday Feb. 17
Free HIV/STI/STD, Mammogram, & Prostate Testing
The free testing event for students will take place from 12 to 3 p.m. at the Diversity Center.
Thursday Feb. 5
“10 Rules for Dealing with Police”
This panel discussion and video will be led by Robert Moore and Odie Carpenter from the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE). It will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Public Affairs Center (PAC), Conference Room F. This event is open to the public and students.
“Policing Diverse Communities: Learning from the Past and Working Towards the Future”
This presentation will be led by Fabienne Brooks, a retired police administrator and law enforcement instructor with 26 years of experience. Brooks has three decades of experience as a community activist, coalition builder, and instructor for law enforcement agencies. This presentation will begin at 7 p.m. in Brookens Auditorium, located on the lower level of Brookens Library. This event is open to the public and students. This event is part of the UIS Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) Speaker Series.
Friday, Feb. 6
Black Male Collegiate Society Induction Ceremony
The Black Male Collegiate Society will hold an induction ceremony for new members from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Public Affairs Center, Conference Room C/D. This event is for students.
Saturday, Feb. 7
“Real Talk and Race, Class & Gender: Past & Present”
Dr. Terrell Strayhorn, a nationally-recognized motivational lecturer, provocateur, and workshop facilitator, will offer ‘critical edutainment’ on how we, as future leaders of tomorrow, can have a voice in ensuring that social justice is attained for all people. This presentation will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Public Affairs Center, Conference Room C/D. This event is open to the public and students.
Wednesday, Feb. 11
“Frederick Douglass on Race: A Soul’s Evolution”
Fred Morsell will portray Frederick Douglass during a live Black History Month performance at 7 p.m. in Brookens Auditorium, located on the lower level of Brookens Library. This journey takes the audience through relevant periods in Douglass’ life. The development of his thought illustrates the stages of his personal transformation in the understanding of race, and culminates in his illumination about the way to experience our common humanity beyond categories. This event is open to the public and students. It is part of the UIS Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) Speaker Series.
Saturday, Feb. 14
Heart of a Collegiate Man
The Black Male Collegiate Society will give students the opportunity to go on a Couples Retreat from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Diversity Center. Students can enjoy an evening of full-filled, romantic activities with their special someone. Ten tips for maintaining a meaningful relationship and couples therapy will be offered. There will be prizes and complementary refreshments. This event is only for students.
Wednesday, Feb. 18
“You can’t touch my hair”
The Kinky & Curly Natural Hair Empowerment Club will host a video and panel discussion titled “You can’t touch my hair” from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Public Affairs Center, Conference Room G. This event is open to the public and students.
Friday, Feb. 20
Soup and Conversation: “Business and social etiquette: Tips for success”
The Black Male Collegiate Society and Black Student Union will hold a Soup and Conversation about “Business and social etiquette: Tips for success” from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Diversity Center. This event is only open to students.
Friday, Feb. 20
“Ladies Only: Real Talk Discussion”
Apryl Jones from “Love and Hip Hop Hollywood” will lead a discussion regarding topics affecting women in their college lives, such as being first generation students, establishing unity as women, relationship issues with parents, significant others, and having respect for oneself. This will take place from 7 to 11 p.m. in the Lincoln Residence Hall Great Room. This event is for students only.
Wednesday, Feb. 25
“Dear White People” film screening and discussion
The film screening of “Dear White People” (2014) and a moderated dialogue will take place at 8 p.m. in Brookens Auditorium. The movie is a satire about being a Black face in a White place. This event is open to the public and students.
Saturday, Feb. 28
The Black Student Union will host the annual Ebony Ball, a gala showcasing and honoring African American Student Leaders, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in the Sangamon Auditorium Lobby. The student ball includes a court nominated and voted on by students. Formal attire is encouraged. An after party will take place from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. in the Student Life Building.
For more information on Black History Month events, visit the UIS Diversity Center website at www.uis.edu/diversitycenter/ or contact Justin Rose, coordinator for Diverse Student Programming, at 217/206-6333 or firstname.lastname@example.org.