February is Black History Month, and multiple Concordia groups are sponsoring a plethora of events that are open to students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community.
From soul food to spoken word, there is an event for everyone to educate themselves and enjoy this time of appreciation and recognition of the significant accomplishments of Black pioneers throughout history. Sponsoring groups include CUW’s Black Student Union, Office of Multicultural Engagement, and CUW Theatre.
There are plenty of events to choose from, so be sure to mark your calendar for at least one of these opportunities!
February 12th
Virtual College Readiness Session | 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Geared towards high schoolers
Students from Kingdom Prep Lutheran High School have been invited to campus, but the session is open to any high schooler interested in learning more about the transition to college. Email Professor Pitchford if you would like to participate in this session or schedule a new one for your school.
Black History Chat and Chew Series: The Black Experience—”Do You See What I See” | 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Open to CUW faculty, staff, and students
Led by Concordia’s Director of Multicultural Engagement Walter Goodwyn, this Zoom session invites attendees to learn more and share their opinions on the unique perspective of the African American experience.
February 15th
Black History Chat and Chew Series: The Black Experience—”Black Hair” | 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Open to CUW faculty, staff, and students
Has anyone ever asked you a question about your hair? Or maybe had a desire to touch it? Let’s share information about black hair and discuss its uniqueness, its versatility, and its beauty. This Zoom session will be led by CUW’s Instructional Designer Marlena Ward-Dodds.
Black Cinema Series: “American Skin” | 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Open to CUW students, faculty, and students
CUW students are invited to watch the movie in the auditorium and then participate in a panel discussion afterwards.
Click here for more information.
February 16th
Soul Food Dinner | 5:00-6:30 p.m.
Geared towards CUW students
This is a ticketed event. To ensure safety protocols, invited guests will pick up their soul food dinner between 5:00-6:30 p.m. Email Professor Pitchford if you have any questions.
Click here for more information.
Virtual Keynote Speaker: Lady Caress | 7:00 p.m.
Open to all
With over 10 years of experience, Lady Caress impacts youth and adult audiences as both a poet and public speaker. A live stream to view Lady Caress will be available in the Albrecht Lounge at 7:00 p.m. or participants may join remotely. Email Professor Pitchford if you have any questions.
February 18th
Black Cinema Series: “I Am Not Your Negro” | 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Geared towards CUW students
The movie will be shown in the auditorium and audience members will have the opportunity to participate in a panel discussion afterwards.
Click here for more information.
February 19th
Virtual College Readiness Session | 11:00-12:00 p.m.
Geared towards high schoolers
Students from Brown Deer High School have been invited to campus, but the session is open to any high schooler interested in learning more about the transition to college. Email Professor Pitchford if you would like to participate in this session or schedule a new one for your school.
Black History Chat and Chew Series: What is Black History? | 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Open to CUW students, faculty, and staff
It’s more than Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks. It’s about Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X, Nearest Green, and others. We will discuss Black History’s history, some not-so-well-known names, and why it’s important to the American Story. This session will be led by Professor of Theatre Lori Woodall over Zoom.
February 22nd
Black History Chat and Chew Series: The Black Experience—”Fraternities and Sororities” | 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Open to CUW students, faculty, and staff
What are they? How did they become a part of the black experience? What exactly is a step show? Why do we find many of the divine 9 in positions of leadership? This session will be led by Adjunct Instructor Angela Brooks over Zoom.
Click here for more information.
February 25th
Black History Cinema Series: “Black History Activators” | 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Geared towards CUW students
The movie will be shown in the auditorium and audience members will have the opportunity to participate in a panel discussion afterwards.
Click here for more information.
CUW Theatre presents “The Agitators”
Open to all
CUW Theatre’s Zoom play goes live on Feb. 17. “The Agitators” tackles the enduring but tempestuous friendship of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass. A virtual talkback and discussion will take place on Feb. 26.
February 26th
Virtual College Readiness Session | 11:00-12:00 p.m.
Geared towards high schoolers
Students from Waukesha School District have been invited to campus, but the session is open to any high schooler interested in learning more about the transition to college. Email Professor Pitchford if you would like to participate in this session or schedule a new one for your school.
Click here for more information.
Black History Chat and Chew Series: The Black Experience—”The Black Church” | 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Open to CUW students, faculty, and staff
How did it evolve? How do members express themselves? Who went to church with Big Mama and got that look? Does it have a responsibility to black excellence? Let’s talk. This session will be led by School of Education Field Experience Coordinator Nicole Gaines over Zoom.
Click here for more information.
CUW Panel Discussion on “The Agitators” | 7:00 p.m.
Open to all
Join CUW leaders and professors as they discuss the work of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, as it is portrayed in CUW Theatre’s production, “The Agitators.” The panelists will also explore the Women’s Rights and Civil Rights movement and the work that still needs to be done to ensure equality and justice for all.
Click here for more information.
February 26th – 27th
Concordia Diversity Conference
This collaborative conference unites multicultural groups within the Concordia University System. A member of the CUW Black Student Union will be a presenter. Email Professor Pitchford if you have any questions.
Click here for more information.
February 28th
Virtual Black History Program | 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Open to CUW students, faculty, and staff
This program will include a vocal performance, a spoken word performance and a keynote address from Denisha Tate.
Click here for more information.
Ongoing
Photo Exhibit: Celebrating Black History
Open to all
View some photos of famous and not-so-famous African Americans in history between Stuenkel and Rinker.
— Madelyne Arrigoni is a senior studying English, Mass Communications, and Photography. She plans to graduate in 2022.
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