Celebrate Black history through the month of February by taking part in these campus events!
Black to the Future and Afrofuturist Myths of Africana Religions
Feb. 3, 4:30 p.m., Virtual
Sponsored by CITE-C, two leading panelists on Afrofuturism will discuss its impact on gender and religion. Afrofuturism is understood as an aesthetic that uses science fiction, fantasy, technology, and supernatural realism in the creation of speculative arts that center black cultural formations. Using Dora Milage from the movie Black Panther as a case study, Myron Strong, Ph.D., will discuss Afrofuturism’s embrace of divine feminism, exploring modern views of African. Participants will also learn of Africa’s long history of women warriors, conquers and rulers. Yvonne Chireau, Ph.D., will examine historical intersections of Afrofuturism and black religion through 20th and early 21st century comics. Chireau argues that comic sources utilize shared tropes and themes that render Africana spiritualities as magical, violent, and dangerously powerful, thereby reifying many of the caricatures of black religiosity that originated with the invention of what she calls Graphic Voodoo.
Black History Movie Night
Feb. 4, 7 p.m., Student Center Main Lounge
Our first movie night in celebration of Black History Month will feature a selection of comedy, romance and drama films popular in Black culture. The Multicultural Affairs Department will provide refreshments.
COVID Black: Racial Data on the Coronavirus Pandemic (Experience Event)
Feb. 7, 4:30 p.m., Virtual
Engage with Kimberly Gallon, Ph.D., founder and executive director of COVID Black, in order to understand the impact of COVID on the African American community. COVID Black helps health care organizations, academic institutions and Black communities solve problems about Black health though data storytelling and innovative learning solutions.
“The Privileged Poor: How elite colleges are failing disadvantaged students” with author Tony Jack
Feb. 10, 4 p.m., MPK Chapel, virtual
Anthony “Tony” Jack, Ph.D., Harvard faculty member and author of “The Privileged Poor” will discuss how elite colleges are accepting diverse and disadvantaged students more than ever before, but how access does not equal acceptance. Jack will draw on his own experience as a low-income, first-generation college student, his research, and how class divides on campus create barriers to academic success.
Second Annual Black History Games
Feb. 15, 6 p.m., Student Center Main Lounge
Black History Month games will test and improve students’ knowledge about African American history in the United States. Assemble your four-person team and compete for first, second and third place prizes in this fact-based game, through Kahoot teams.
Black History Month dinner
Feb. 18 at 6 p.m.
This talent showcase featuring Albright students highlights Black culture accompanied by a soul food dinner, sponsored by AAS, Xion, BWLA, MOC, FSAD and SOBA.
Black History Movie Night
Feb. 23, 7 p.m., Student Center Main Lounge
For the second movie showing of the month, a series of films will be featured for students to choose a showing. These drama films depict grave obstacles and issues inflicted on the Black community through barriers of both systemic racism and strategic marginalization. The Multicultural Affairs Department will provide refreshments and a discussion will follow the movie.
Black History Vigil
Feb. 24, 6 p.m., MPK Chapel
The Multicultural Affairs Department’s annual Black history vigil honors Black narratives accumulated throughout the year that deserve recognition and celebration. This year’s theme centralizes on Black brilliance with a focus on art, through performances or exhibits showing appreciation of Black culture and history.
