The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Black Student Union (BSU) and the Division of Academic Support and Inclusive Excellence are planning a months worth of events in observance of Black History Month, which takes place each February.
This national annual observance is an opportunity for UW Oshkosh students, faculty and staff to reflect upon the achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout history. The BSU provides events and activities designed to increase awareness and understanding of diverse cultures and history.
Calendar of events:
Tuesday, Feb. 3
Citizen King: Black History Month Film Series
7 p.m.
Sage Hall 1210
A documentary that draws upon input from a broad cross-section of people to examine the last five years of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life. The film is followed by a discussion facilitated by Dr. Stephen Kercher (History Department).
Sponsored by: History Club
Wednesday, Feb. 4
Ballast: Black History Month Film Series
4 p.m.
Sage Hall 1239
A drama set in the Mississippi Delta, where one man’s suicide affects three people’s lives. The film is followed by a discussion facilitated by Dr. Paul Van Auken (Sociology Department).
Sponsored by: African American Studies Program
Thursday, Feb. 5
Atlanta: The Cradle of the Civil Rights Movement
6 p.m.
Sage Hall 1216
Guest Speaker: Dr. Clarissa Myrick-Harris, Associate Provost for Pedagogical and Curricular and Professor of African American Studies at Morehouse College
Sponsored by: Academic Support of Inclusive Excellence and BSU
Saturday, Feb. 7
Kingian Nonviolence Workshop
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Campus Center for Equity and Diversity, Lower Level Conference Room
Facilitator: Dr. Timothy Sams, VP for Student Development at Morehouse College
This nonviolence workshop is an opportunity to develop an approach of actionable steps as followed by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., during the Civil Rights Movement, through a thoughtful and strategic methodology.
Sponsored by: Academic Support of Inclusive Excellence, the Inclusive Excellence Council and the Race and Ethnicity Council
Monday, Feb. 9
Middle of Nowhere: Black History Month Film Series
6 p.m.
Sage Hall 1235
When her husband is sentenced to eight years in prison, Rudy drops out of medical school in order to focus on her husband’s well-being while he’s incarcerated — leading her on a journey of self-discovery in the process. The film is followed by a discussion facilitated by Dr. Caryn Murphy (Communication Department).
Sponsored by: African American Studies Program
Thursday, Feb.12
Breaking Down Barriers: Women and the Civil Rights Movement
6 p.m.
Reeve Memorial Union, 307
Guest Speaker: Dr. Bettye Parker-Smith, Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost at Tougaloo College
Sponsored by: Academic Support of Inclusive Excellence and BSU
Monday, Feb. 16
Fruitvale Station: Black History Month Film Series
5:30 p.m.
Sage Hall 1235
The story of Oscar Grant III, a 22-year-old Bay Area resident, who crosses paths with friends, enemies, family, and strangers on the last day of 2008. The film is followed by a discussion facilitated by Dr. Morgan Foster (English Department).
Sponsored by: African American Studies Program
Tuesday, Feb. 17
Dark Girls: Black History Month Film Series
6 p.m.
Reeve Memorial Union, 307
Documentary exploring the deep-seated biases and attitudes about skin color—particularly dark skinned women, outside of and within the African American culture.
Sponsored by: The Women’s Center, The Sisterhood, BSU, Reeve Union and Fit Oshkosh
Thursday, Feb. 19
Black History Month Quiz Bowl
5 p.m.
Reeve Memorial Union, 227A
A quiz game that tests players on a wide variety of African American history subjects.
Sponsored by: BSU
Saturday, Feb. 21
UW Oshkosh Masked Ball: An Evening of Elegance
6–11 p.m.
Alumni Welcome and Conference Center
The black-tie, formal occasion includes dinner, dance and awards. The evening features celebrity guests LeToya Luckett, (singer, songwriter and actress) formerly of the group “Destiny’s Child,” and DJ Shogun, international club disc jockey. Tickets are $75 per person or $90 per couple; available at Titan Central or order online atuwosh.edu/go/maskedballtickets.
Sponsored by: Academic Support of Inclusive Excellence and BSU
Monday, Feb. 23
12 Years A Slave: Black History Month Film Series
6 p.m.
Sage Hall 1210
In the antebellum United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. The film is followed by a discussion facilitated by Dr. Michelle Kuhl (History Department).
Sponsored by: African American Studies Program and History Club
Thursday, Feb. 26
Mix of Cultures
6 p.m.
Reeve Memorial Union, Titan Underground
Cultural demonstrations and musical performances from African American and Native American experience. Hosted by Mr. Kyle T. Mays (University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign).
Sponsored by: BSU, American Indian Student Services and Reeve Memorial Union Diversity and Inclusion Programs
For more information about these events, contact the Black Student Union at bsu@uwosh.edu or (920) 424-1143. All events are free and open to the campus community, except the UW Oshkosh Masked Ball event, which is $75 per person or $90 per couple.
Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to contribute calendar items, campus announcements and other good news to UW Oshkosh Today.