Westfield State Celebrates Black History Month

Since 1974, Westfield State University (WSU) has held special events during the month of February dedicated to informing students, faculty, and staff as well as the community about the importance of black history, culture, and traditions. Continuing this tradition, WSU will celebrate Black History Month this year by hosting community events ranging from music performances to diversity dinners:

Tuesday, February 3rd, 4:30-6pm- There will be a film screening of The Loving Story. The film follows the story of an interracial couple who was charged with breaking Virginia’s anti-miscegenation laws in 1958. Following the screening, there will be a discussion led by Dr. Carlton Pickron, Vice President of Student Affairs. This event will be held in the Owl’s Nest in the Ely Building and is open to the campus community.

Wednesday, February 4th, 4-5:30pm- Celebration of Life– Dr. Nomazengele Mangaliso, chair of the sociology department, will discuss the lives of Nelson Mandela and Reverend Martin Luther King, and there will be a performance by the Urban Educational Gospel Choir. This event will be held in the Owl’s Nest. Ethnic food will be provided by the Multicultural Student Association, the Latino Association of Empowerment, and the Multicultural and Diversity Educators.

Monday, February 10th, 12:30-1:30pm-Complementary Lives: The Common Thread Between Booker T. Washington and Samuel E. Courtney. Holly Robbins, administrative assistant of human resources, will lead the discussion on the parallel lives of Booker T. Washington and his friend Samuel E. Courtney, whom the residence hall Courtney Hall is named after. This event will be held in Loughman Living Room in Scanlon Hall.

Wednesday February 12th, 3-5pm- From History to New Success: a cross-cultural, inter-generational workshop experience about the intersections of history, career success and life in a diverse, digital world will create a new relevance for celebrations. This event will be held in Ely Television Studio, room 324 and is open to the campus community.

Thursday, February 13th, 4-5pm-Library Poetry Walk– Poetry and spoken word pieces related to Black History Month will be read throughout the library. The library is located in the Ely Campus Center.

Wednesday, February 19th, 4:30-8pm- A soul food dinner will be held in the Dining Commons. Normal dining rates/student swipes apply.

Monday, February 24th, 7:30-9pm- Big George: One-Woman Show about Georgetta Holmes Stevens- Performed by granddaughter Kelli Stevens Kane, “Big George” combines poetry, oral history, movement, and sound collage to tell the life story of Georgetta Stevens. This event will be held in Dever Stage in Parenzo Hall.

All of the above events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. For more information about Black History Month events, please visit www.westfield.ma.edu.