In honor of Black Heritage Month, the Center for Black Studies hosts a variety of events celebrating African Ameircans contribution to United States history. This year the theme is The Black Resistance. 

The themes for Black History Month are chosen each year by The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH).

According to ASALH, the importance of the theme is to highlight the need to mobilize and come together to fight for freedom, justice and quality and to reach self-determination and social transformation. The organization believes it is important for everyone to recognize the contributions of Black Americans to history and that their lives are just as valuable and worthy of respect as anyone else’s.  

The Center for Black Studies wishes to respect this theme by providing relevant, diverse content and events on campus. 

LECTURE IN BLACK STUDIES 

 “Oh Mercy, There’s Colored People All Over the Library!”: What a 1939 Library Sit-In Taught Us about the Impact of Space, Place, and the Human Body as Viable Rhetorical Texts. 

Dr. LaVerne Gyant hosts a guest lecture, Janice Hamlet. This lecture will look at segregation and the techniques used by protesters during a silent protest, organized by five African American men, for the right to read in the public library. 

This event takes place at 6 p.m on Feb. 1. in the Center for Black Studies. 

LOVE IN AN OPEN-AIR PRISON

This event looks at the kinship practices between Haitian and other black immigrants in Mexico as they face intense racism and anti-black sentiment. This event is organized in partnership with the Department of Anthropology and Undocumented Student Resource Center. 

This event takes place at 2 p.m. on Feb. 2 in Stevens Building, room 173. 

MAVIS STAPLES LIVE AT THE EGYPTIAN THEATRE

Mavis Staples performs at the Egyptian Theatre for Black Heritage Month. This event will also feature Northern Black Choir and the NIU Concert Choir.  

The event will take place at 8 p.m. on Feb. 3 Tickets are free for NIU students but must be picked up at the Holmes Student Center welcome desk. The tickets for the public are available online for $45, $55, $75 and $100 for a premier table with bar service included. 

CBS SPRING OPEN HOUSE AND GAME NIGHT!

The Center for Black Studies is hosting an open house and game night. Students can learn about what the center has to offer and meet the staff. Games and food will be offered to all who attend. 

The event takes place at 5 p.m. on Feb. 5. 

GOOD VIBES

The Center for Black Studies is offering two free hours of bowling. The center will also be hosting games and trivia and will be featuring a DJ.

This event will take place at 6 p.m. on Feb. 15 at the Huskie Den in the Holmes Student Center. 

LIBERATE YOUR RESEARCH: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH WORKSHOP WITH PROFESSOR NADINE NABER

This workshop will feature Professor Nadine Naber and includes a networking luncheon. The focus is on coming up with strategies for overcoming barriers in research with emphasis on interdisciplinary work. 

This event takes place at 9 a.m. on Feb. 17. in Altgeld Hall, room 315.

REST IS RESISTANCE IN COLLABORATION WITH THE OFFICE OF PREVENTION EDUCATION AND OUTREACH

Take time to rest and practice self-care. There will be food, music and different forms of self-care activities. 

This event takes place from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 22 and is self-paced. Will be hosted in the Center for Black Studies. 

CBS AND (NI)YOU: LET’S CONNECT

The Center of Black Studies is hosting a town hall style meeting, the first of three for the spring semester. This event will focus on connections, with students being encouraged to share the connection to the center and how the center can help you to better connect with it. 

This event takes place at 5 p.m. on Feb. 22. in the Center for Black Studies. 

JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH FILM SCREENING AND PANEL DISCUSSION

The Center for Black Studies will be sponsoring a free showing of the film “Judas and the Black Messiah” at the Egyptian Theatre. There will be a panel discussion afterwards that will focus on the political activist group, Black Panthers and the theme,Black Resistance and what they represent today. 

This event will take place on Feb. 23. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and the event will start at 6:00 p.m.

RECLAIMING OUR STORIES

There will be discussion about this month’s theme, Black Resistance. The event will look at different issues concerning this theme and its history as well as telling one’s own story and reclaiming your voice. 

This event will be held via Zoom, and you can sign up for access online. It will take place at 5 p.m. on Feb. 28.

FOUR POETS, ONE MIC PRESENTS: A DEF POETRY JAM FOR THE CULTURE 

A look at the inequalities in America, through the lens of poetry. There will be a  focus on racism, both in the past and the present. There will be food and raffle. To enter the raffle, you can register online. 

 This event will take place at 7 p.m. on Feb. 28  in the Cavan Auditorium.