Black History Month is here! This month we celebrate Black people, culture, struggles and everything in between. This month, there are events all around campus to engage students and help them celebrate. Below are some events that you can’t miss.
Black Alumni Society
On Mon., Feb. 12 at 7 p.m., students are invited to a Black Alumni Society Virtual Town Hall. Senior Vice Provost for Enrollment Management and Services, Dr. Don Hunt, and Division of Academic and Student Affairs Vice Chancellor and Dean Dr. Doneka Scott, will be guest speakers and will “discuss enrollment trends and opportunities for current students at NC State.”
The Black Alumni Society is also hosting a Speed Mentoring and Networking Reception on Wed., Feb. 21 at 6 p.m.. This event is for “current students to meet area alumni.” There will be appetizers and a cash bar. This event is located at Dorothy & Roy Park Alumni Center, 2450 Alumni Drive, Raleigh, NC.
African American Cultural Center
The African American Cultural Center (AACC) is hosting events throughout the entirety of Black History Month. The AACC gave the month a theme: “Divine Hands: An Exploration of Black Spirituality, Healing, and the Arts.” The center asks us to join them as they explore “the interplay between wellness and spirituality, embracing the expressive arts as a powerful conduit.” At the AACC’s events, students and the surrounding community are welcome to “delve into various aspects of Black spirituality and the vibrant cultures of the African diaspora.”
Every Friday of the month at 3 p.m., the AACC is hosting “Black History Month: Diaspora Dinners.” Join the AACC in the Witherspoon Student Center, located on the third floor, as they celebrate different cultures with conversation and food. The AACC “will feature cuisine from the African continent or diaspora and engage in conversation.” The food will range from “soul food to Caribbean food,” said Adrianna Fields, a Masters in Social Work Intern at the AACC. The food will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
On Feb. 15, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., the AACC will host the opening of the exhibition 29 Days of Healing: Black Book Blitz Exhibit. This will take place in the Witherspoon Student Center in the AACC’s Gallery on the second floor. This event will be “an interactive space where guests can pick up books from [their] collection and check them out, watch a video montage of how Black folks experience healing and spirituality through literature, art and togetherness in the community.” Finger food and hot tea will be provided.
On Feb. 29, from 6 to 8 p.m., the 29 Days of Healing: Black Book Blitz Exhibit will have an open mic event that will feature student performers and creatives. This event will take place in the Witherspoon Student Center Gallery on the second floor. This event will mark the end of the exhibition. Light refreshments and appetizers will be available.
The Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA)
MSA, Black Male Initiative, Pack United and Park Shops are partnering “for a Black History Month student-led conversation.” On Feb. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m., the event, Wellness Vibes: Navigating College as a Black Student, “will allow folks to share experiences as students and as student-athletes of color and how they have found rest, community and wellness to thrive at NC State.” Students will have the opportunity to engage in a canvas painting activity and receive a free catered meal. This event will take place in Witherspoon Student Center in the AACC.
Media Arts, Design and Technology
NC State’s Department of Media Arts, Design and Technology (MADTech) are partnering with the NC State University Libraries to welcome guest speaker Dr. Mia Mask to present “Overlooked Black Narratives of the American West”. On Feb. 22, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Dr. Mask will be at the Burns Auditorium in Kamphoefner Hall. Her work was featured on several National Public Radio programs and in several documentaries, including CNN’s “The Movies.”
