Colleges around Mississippi have many events planned to celebrate black history month during the month of February.
Mississippi State University began their celebration on February 3 with a screening of “Marshall”, which was a free event for students. Other free events they are hosting include:
*Feb. 12, 6 p.m., #Matter, a structured conversation on issues impacting the black community sponsored by the Black Student Association. The event takes place in the Union’s third-floor Fowlkes Auditorium.
*Feb. 13, 5-7 p.m., Afro-Latino Panel Discussion sponsored by the Latino Student Association. During this event in the Union’s Fowlkes Auditorium, speakers will discuss their personal experiences of being Latino.
*Feb. 15, 6 p.m., “Fannie Lou Hamer: America’s Freedom Fighting Woman” talk in Old Main Academic Center’s auditorium featuring Maegan Parker Brooks, assistant professor in the Civic Communication and Media Department at Willamette University and author of “A Voice that Could Stir an Army: Fannie Lou Hamer and Rhetoric of the Black Freedom Movement.” A reception will take place from 4:30-6 p.m. in the Colvard Student Union Dawg House. Both events are sponsored by MSU’s African American Studies and Gender Studies programs, President’s Commission on the Status of Women, Department of Sociology, Marion T. Loftin Fund and Division of Student Affairs.
*Feb. 16-18, Black Alumni Weekend hosted by the BAW18 planning committee in conjunction with the MSU Alumni Association. Along with educational and social events, the three-day event will feature a semi-formal gala honoring African-American alumni who are trailblazers in their respective fields. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.alumni.msstate.edu/blackalumniweekend.
*Feb. 24, 9 p.m.-midnight, “Black Out Party” in the auxiliary gym at the university’s Joe Frank Sanderson Center. Sponsored by the Black Student Association, the event will feature live music. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in all black.
*Feb. 28, 7 p.m., “Celebration of Black Art: Back to Black” cultural extravaganza showcasing various forms of black art, including music and dance. Taking place in historic Lee Hall’s Bettersworth Auditorium, the event is sponsored by the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center.
The University of Southern Mississippi began on February 2, and their events will include educational programs, lectures, and a popular soul food luncheon. Here is a list of their events.
*Tuesday, Feb. 20, 11:30 a.m.: Soul Food Luncheon, Fresh Food Company, Thad Cochran Center, first floor, Hattiesburg campus (students can deduct from meal plan, if applicable).
*Wednesday, Feb. 21, 7 p.m.: ‘Think Fast”, R.C. Cook University Union, Hattiesburg campus.
*Thursday, Feb. 22, 12:15 p.m.: Lunch and Learn with USM Dean of Students Dr. Eddie Holloway, Cook Library room 123, Hattiesburg campus.
*Tuesday, Feb. 27, 7 p.m.: Armstrong-Branch Lecture, Bennett Auditorium, Hattiesburg campus. Admission is free.
