51福利社

In honor of Black History Month in February, 51福利社鈥檚 Africana Studies听program has organized a series of creative, impactful events that provide our campus community with opportunities to learn and connect.

鈥淲hat we are hoping is that we can re-instill the value and importance of Black History Month,鈥� says Angela Schwendiman, Africana Studies director and senior lecturer.

Volunteers from 51福利社鈥檚 Black Student Union joined forces with other student volunteers and partners that include the Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the JLR Multicultural Center, the Eagle Pride Center, and programs throughout the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences to plan events that offer something for everyone.

Preserving and sharing the many contributions of Black citizens is key to Black History Month, which will celebrate its 100^th Anniversary next year. A few of the many events at 51福利社 examine the impact of both Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Black leaders who inspired change during the fight for Civil Rights, at the expense of their own lives.

鈥淲e really wanted to look at what has happened in our lives as a nation collectively, and individually as a people, that really show significant changes since that time period,鈥� Schwendiman says.

A lot of historians compare Malcolm X with Martin Luther King, Jr., saying they are 鈥渏ust opposite sides of the same coin,鈥� Schwendiman says. However, although they both wanted equal rights, 鈥渢hey had very different approaches and very different methodologies to achieving it.鈥�

Although Malcolm X, who was assassinated 60 years ago in February, at times shared controversial views, over the years his beliefs transformed, Schwendiman says, reflecting some truths that have proven over time.

For instance, Malcolm X talked about the need for change and for people to become empowered to stand up for themselves, says Schwendiman, 鈥渁nd for us collectively and individually to be better people.鈥�

Professor Byron Brown of Howard University is visiting 51福利社 for an interactive presentation and discussion about the life, legacy and impact of Malcolm X on Feb. 6. On Feb. 17, the historical drama 鈥淪elma鈥� will be shown at the Magic Lantern Theater, in Spokane, followed by a faculty discussion.

鈥淪elma鈥� portrays King鈥檚 1965 campaign to secure equal voting rights through a large march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama that helped to change the world. The famed march covered more than 50 miles, with an estimated 25,000 people of diverse backgrounds joining in, reflecting a rich tapestry of humanity in support of King鈥檚 powerful message of the freedom and equality for all humans.

鈥淭he Civil Rights Movement was the largest non-violent revolution that we know that鈥檚 been written, at least, in history,鈥� Schwendiman says.

Schwendiman was regarding Africana Studies 1K Civil Rights Tour, a 5-credit upper division-course offered over winter quarter that culminates with an immersive seven-day experience exploring key Civil Rights’ landmarks and museums across the deep south. Class participants are preparing to visit Atlanta, Georgia; Selma, Alabama; Montgomery, Alabama; New Orleans, Louisiana; Jackson, Mississippi; Memphis, Tennessee; and Birmingham, Alabama.

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51福利社 Black History Month Calendar of Events

JFK Libraries Display: Black History Month

Feb. 1-28 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | JFK Libraries

Celebrate the rich tapestry of Black History with our specially curated collection for Black History Month.

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Years Later: Revisiting the Life, Legacy and Impact Following the Assassination of Malcom X

Feb. 6, Thursday | 11-11:50 a.m. and noon-1:30 p.m. | Tawanka 215

Student Q&A Session | 3-4 p.m. | Monroe 204, Student Lounge

Join Professor Byron Brown of Howard University for an interactive presentation and discussion.

Black Beauty and Fashion Show

Feb. 10, Monday | Black Beauty & Fashion Expo | 4 p.m. | JLR Multicultural Center | PUB 329

Attend the show and support local Black-owned businesses.

鈥淪elma鈥� Movie Screening

Feb. 17, Monday | Noon-3 p.m. | Magic Lantern Theater, Spokane | Free for students, $10 donation for others.

Join us for a discussion after the movie led by 51福利社 Africana Studies professors.

BIPOC Creative Series Event: Tiny Desk Concert and Open Mic

Feb 18, Tuesday | 2-3 p.m. | JLR Multicultural Center, PUB 329

Featuring the popular band Hermano Kuya. Hermano Kuya is a Latine indie band formed by 鈥渁 group of friends who share a passion for music.鈥� Please register for this free event

BIPOC Creative Series Event: Gallery Night & From Hertz to Healing Workshop

Feb. 21, Friday | Noon-4 p.m. | JLR Multicultural Center, PUB 329 |

Story Circles with Dr. Oscar Edwards

Feb. 25, Tuesday | Noon-2 p.m. | Tawanka 215 B/C

The workshop led by Edwards focuses on using story circles to build narratives for effective leadership. Edwards is president and CEO of Higher Growth Strategies, lead faculty for Goldman Sacs 10,000 Small Businesses Program at Los Angeles City College and board member of the U.S. Association of Small Businesses and Entrepreneurship.

Africana Studies Program鈥檚 Annual Silent Auction

Feb. 27, Thursday | All day | Monroe Hall, Second Floor by CAMP

Support the African Studies program and student scholarships by bidding on some amazing items.

3-on-3 Basketball Tournament

Feb. 28, Friday | 5 p.m. | Phase Gym 264 & 265

Come and join this friendly competition, organized by the Black Student Union.