Statement on Black History Month

The 2024 national theme for Black History Month is “African Americans and the Arts.” https://asalh.org/black-history-themes/ The creativity of African American artists expands out from unique and shared experiences in the United States and across the African diaspora, retaining and preserving African cultural heritage and improvising and building ever new and ever resilient forms of Black culture to make Black history the beautiful, unique, inspiring, liberating patchwork quilt that it is. As the great Maya Angelou once said, “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” Ashé! 

African American artists have continually built new visions of Black life from the very center of American culture--from Pan-Africanism to Afro-Futurism, from syncretic experimental jazz to Black nationalist uplift, from the Harlem Renaissance to the Black Arts Movement, from playing the dozens to stepping with the Divine Nine, from hip hop to gospel, from the fine arts and performance arts to folklore, language, music, and film. Please join us as we celebrate African Americans and the Arts at our events listed below. Celebrate Black History every day!

In solidarity,

Dr. Meta L. Schettler, Africana Studies Program Coordinator

 

List of AFRS Events for Black History Month – join us!

“The 559 Edition - African Americans and the Arts”

Africana Studies will host a gallery exhibit for the month of February

in the Library Ellipse Gallery, 2nd floor

 

Free At Last! African Drum Circle for Nelson Mandela

African Drum Interactive with Donte McDonald. Viva Mandela, viva! 

Feb. 12, noon to 1:00, RSU Amphitheater

 

Black Arts Lounge with Ben Boone and Faylita Hicks

Music, spoken word poetry and a relaxed lounge vibe. Celebrate the national theme “African Americans and the Arts.” 

Refreshments will be served. Feb. 22, 6 to 9 p.m. Ellipse Gallery

 

Altered Images and Cultural Crafts with Sucka Free Sunday

Collage Workshop with Devoya Mayo -Create a BHM-inspired crafty tin altar -Supplies provided!

Feb. 23, 12 to 1:30 p.m. RSU 214

 

Fantastic Voyage! Sanibonani Open Mic Night

Stand up. Be heard. Sign-up starts at 6:30 p.m. 

Free juice drinks and/or coupons for the first 20 attendees/poets. 

See you at Tower Blendz, Feb. 23, 802 E. Olive Ave.