Black History Month began on Wednesday, February 1 and Americans across the country are celebrating the many achievements of African Americans and Black culture. At Kean University, there are several events held on campus to commemorate Black History Month.
To open the month, the university showcased wax figures of iconic Black historians on Wednesday, February 1. The figures were presented by The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum Inc. and its founder Dr. Joanne Martin was the keynote speaker for The Celebration of Black History event. The Pan-African Flag was also raised in the Miron Student Center Plaza.
On Tuesday, February 7, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is hosting a community-building program that educates attendees on the importance of African culture through music. Located in the VISER Lab of the Nancy Thompson Learning Commons, students can expect to learn more about African history from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Also taking place on Tuesday is a movie night hosted by Kean P.U.L.S.E. Programming Board. At 7 p.m. in the Miron Student Center Little Theater, students can watch “Till”, a movie based on the true story of Emmett Till.
Greek organizations are also playing a part in Black History Month by educating students about Black history on Wednesday, February 8. Hosted by Sigma Beta Chi, Delta Phi Epsilon, and Theta Phi Alpha, students can attend a presentation that will be taking place at 7 p.m. in the Greek Lounge.
The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Kean Dance Theatre are hosting a memorial event on Wednesday, February 15 at the Miron Student Center Little Theater. At 7 p.m., students can expect to remember those who paved the way for Black history by viewing the accomplishments and achievements of those before us.
On Thursday, February 16, Guest Speaker Jennifer R. Jones-Damis, Psy.D., LPC will be attending Kean University to speak on systematic racism, interpersonal racism and other aspects that impact everyday life. Students should visit the Miron Student Center, Room 226 at 3:30 p.m. if they’d like to hear her inspiring lecture.
Towards the end of the month, on Thursday February 23, students can visit the VISER Lab in the Nancy Thompson Learning Commons for an educational movie night. The chosen film shown at 7:30 p.m. is “John Lewis: Good Trouble”, which speaks on social activism, healthcare reform, immigration, and more.
While these are only a few of the events happening throughout the month, there are many more to expect this February. For information about these events and more, students can visit Cougar Link.
