SRU hosting a variety of Black History Month events, including appearance by Charlamagne tha God, Feb. 22 

February is Black History Month and Slippery Rock University is hosting a variety of programs, including guest speakers, performances and film screenings.  

Jan. 24, 2023

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — Slippery Rock University will host several events and programs in February to recognize Black History Month, highlighted by a speaking appearance by radio personality Charlamagne tha God, Feb. 22. SRU's Office for Inclusive Excellence is coordinating all Black History Month events with the help of several campus departments and student organizations.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the history and accomplishments of Black Americans," said Ivory Dunlap, SRU director of inclusive excellence. "I hope people recognize these contributions all year long, because it's important for everyone in our campus community to be seen and appreciated. But we are fortunate here at SRU to have people who are actively helping to make the campus an inclusive environment. Look no further than all the submissions to host events throughout the month, across many different departments and organizations."

While there are some events reflecting on Black history, there are also many programs that will celebrate Black culture and address social issues affecting Black people too.

The following events are part of the SRU's Black History month program. All events are free and open to the public, with exception of those noted in the descriptions. Virtual events for the SRU community require registration on CORE, SRU's online platform for activities and organizations.

Film: "The Woman King," 7 p.m., Feb. 3, at the Smith Student Center Theater. Hosted by Rock the Weekend and the OIE, this is a viewing of the 2022 film about the all-female warrior unit that protected the West African kingdom of Dahomey during the 17th to 19th centuries. There will also be a BINGO game related to the movie with prizes.

SRU Dance Theater Emerging Artists Dance Concert, 7:30 p.m., and 4 p.m., Feb. 4, at the Performing Arts Center, Miller Theater. Hosted by SRU Dance Department, this is annual dance concert featuring the choreography of junior and senior dance majors performed by SRU dance students, including a dance related to Black culture titled "The Devine," by Kali Booker, a senior dance major from New Castle. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online or at the door.

African American Heritage Day, 1 p.m., Feb. 4, at Morrow Field House. SRU Athletics, Rock the Weekend, and the OIE will host entertainment to celebrate African American Heritage at the SRU men's and women's basketball games.

Safer Sex Block Party: Get Yourself Tested, noon, Feb. 7, at the Smith Student Center Theater. As part of National Black HIV Awareness Day, the OIE and the Student Health Center are hosting a free HIV testing clinic that will include music, dancing, yard games and block-party themed foods.

Film and Discussion: "The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution," 5 p.m., Feb. 7, at the Smith Student Center Theater. Hosted by College Progressives, Phi Alpha Theta, and Black Action Society, this is a viewing and discussion of the 2015 American documentary film about the Black Panther Party.

Homeboy - A Journey of Perseverance and Triumph, 6 p.m., Feb. 7, at the Smith Student Center, Room 321. Hosted by the Frederick Douglass Institute, this event features guest speaker Jawara Griffin, a Black attorney and author from Philadelphia who will share his experiences that highlight and celebrate resiliency.

Gender and Performance from the Transgender and BIPOC Perspective Series with
Cee Adamson, guest artist-in-residence who is a Black transgender doctoral student of vocal performance at the University of Washington. There are three events hosted by the Music Department, OIE, and the President's Commission on Gender Identity & Expression, and Sexual Orientation:

• The Trans Voice (Lecture), 8 a.m., Feb. 7, Swope Music Hall, Room 135 and via Zoom for SRU community members (register for on CORE).
• Challenging Gender Roles (Lecture and Recital), 7:30 p.m., Feb. 8, Swope Music Hall, Recital Hall and via Zoom for SRU community members (register for on CORE).
• My Story is OUR Story (Open Forum), 12:30 p.m., Feb. 9, the Smith Student Center, Ballroom C, as Adamson will answer audience questions and share her experience.

Film: "Gallant Indies," 5 p.m., Feb. 8, Eisenberg Classroom Building, Room 111. Hosted by the Languages, Literatures, Cultures, and Writing Department, this is a viewing of the 2021 French documentary about 30 hip-hop, krump, break, voguing dancers who bring together urban dance and opera singing.

Wild 'n' Out, 6 p.m., Feb. 10, at the Smith Student Center, Ballroom. This is a comedy show hosted by the Black Action Society.

The Truth About Critical Race Theory, 12:30 p.m., Feb. 14, at the Smith Student Center Theater. The History Department will host an academic panel discussing critical race theory in history, education, and politics today.

The Crown Experience, 5 p.m., Feb. 15, at the Smith Student Center, Room 323. Hosted by the Frederick Douglass Institute, this event celebrates natural hair and provides attendees education on how to properly care for natural hair.

The Power of Stories: The Importance of Seeking Mental Health Services, 5 p.m., Feb. 16, via Zoom (register on CORE). The Office of Diversity Equity, Inclusion and Belonging hosts a presentation by Bertha White, the owner and CEO of Agent of Change, LLC, Mental Health Services & Resources, and founder of Harambee Youth of Southern Maryland, which focuses on Black youth, mental health, and cultural awareness and involvement. 

Queens of Today: Black History Month Edition, 5 p.m., Feb. 16, at the Smith Student Center, Room 321. Hosted by Queens, this event will celebrate modern day innovative women of color from a cultural perspective.

Deadline to submit applications for the SRU Gaither Scholarship Award, 4:30 p.m., Feb. 22. The Gaither Scholarship is awarded to an SRU student in honor of Thomas Gaither for his work in the civil rights movement.

Film: "The Story of a Three-Day Pass," 5 p.m., Feb. 22, Eisenberg Classroom Building, Room 111. Hosted by the Languages, Literatures, Cultures, and Writing Department, this is a viewing of a 1967 film about a Black American stationed at an air base in France and his romance with a White Parisian.

Black History Month Speaker: Charlamagne tha God, 7 p.m., Feb. 22, at the Performing Arts Center, Miller Theater. The OIE, the Office of DEIB and the Black History Month Speaker Series Committee hosts a presentation by radio host and television personality Charlamagne tha God, the host of syndicated radio show "The Breakfast Club," and a late-night talk show on Comedy Central, "Hell of a Week." SRU students, faculty, and staff can obtain one free ticket each starting at 8 a.m., Feb. 1, online at sru.edu/tickets. Additional tickets and tickets for the general public, if available, can be purchased for $10 at sru.edu/tickets beginning at 8 a.m., Feb. 10 (limit two tickets per person).

Ebony Ball, 6 p.m., Feb. 24, at the Smith Student Center, Ballroom. Dinner, dancing and an awards ceremony hosted by BAS.

Walking through Black History: A Mobile Museum, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Feb. 28, at the Bailey Library Multipurpose Room. A Black history exhibit hosted by the Office of DEIB.

Black History Matters: A Collection of Student Essays. Hosted by History Department, follow @SRUHistoryDept on Twitter to read student essays about Black history throughout the month as they become available.

For more information about Black History Month programming at SRU, contact the OIE at

oie@sru.edu or 724.738.2700.

MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Zackal | 724.738.4854 |  justin.zackal@sru.edu