SRU celebrates Black History Month with series of virtual events 

Share

Black History month

The Slippery Rock University community is celebrating Black History Month with a series of fun and educational programs, Feb. 5-26. 

Feb. 2, 2021 

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — February is Black History Month, and the Slippery Rock University community is honoring Black culture with a series of fun and educational programs, Feb. 5-26. 

"Although most of the events are virtual, there are still plenty of opportunities for the SRU community to engage with topics related to Black history and culture," said Keshia Booker, assistant director for multicultural development in SRU's Office of Inclusive Excellence. "Our theme this year is 'Black History: Powerful Beyond Measure,' and we want to recognize the achievements of Black culture as well as the strength and potential for growth among the African American community. Our goal is to empower and give greater influence to these voices." 

SRU's Black History Month is coordinated by the OIE, which is also cohosting some of the events, but many of the logistics are the work of student clubs and organizations who work to keep the campus engaged even though people are unable to gather in person. 

Links to sign up for or access events are provided below, or they will be available through CORE, SRU's online platform for student organizations, unless otherwise noted. SRU's Black History Month events include: 

  • Jeopardy, 7 p.m., Feb. 5, via Zoom: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and Mu Omicron host a trivia game with questions related to Black history and aspects of black culture.  
  • Mental Health and Communities of Color, 6-7:30 p.m., Feb. 9, via Zoom: The OIE hosts a panel discussion on mental health and the Black community with three mental health practitioners.
  • Rock Talk: What Does America Mean for Queer and Trans People of Color, 6:30 p.m., Feb. 10, via Zoom: SRU's Pride Center hosts a discussion featuring queer and transgender people of color sharing their experiences living in America.
  • Virtual Cooking with Chef Reed, 6 p.m., Feb. 11, via Zoom: The Black Action Society hosts Pittsburgh chef Taneisha Reed, who will lead students through a virtual cooking lesson while discussing "soul food" and its connection to Black culture and traditions.  
  • Black History Bingo, 7 p.m., Feb. 12, via Zoom: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. host a virtual game where students will match influential African American figures with their accomplishments.
  • Poetry Write 'n' Sip Night, 7 p.m., Feb. 13, via Zoom: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. host a virtual poetry writing workshop and a discussion about the impact of prominent Black poets. 
  • Black History Trivia Night, 5 p.m., Feb. 16, via Zoom: Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society hosts a trivia game using the platform Kahoot!, featuring prizes that include Amazon gift cards up to $25.
  • Racial Unrest and Corporate Culture, 6-7 p.m., Feb. 17, via Zoom: The Black Action Society and the SRU Alumni Engagement Office host a panel discussion with African American corporate professionals about how racial unrest has affected the corporate community.
  • SGA Movie Series Double Feature, Feb. 19-22: The OIE and the Slippery Rock Student Government Association host online streaming of two movies, "Just Mercy" and "True Justice," available on-demand using a passcode that's available on CORE.
  • A Night of Palenque, 6 p.m., Feb. 19, via Zoom: The SRU Dance Department hosts the showing of a pre-recorded Afro-Colombian dance.  
  • The History of Step, 6 p.m., Feb. 20, via Instagram Live: The Rock Royalty Step Team hosts a virtual dance lesson and discusses the history of the dance style, also known as "stepping," that's popular in African American communities.
  • Hip-Hop Roots, 7 p.m., Feb. 21, via Instagram Live: Jam Rock, SRU's hip-hop dance team, hosts a discussion about the genre of music that's popular in African American communities. 
  • Remembering the Lost, 6 p.m., Feb. 22, via Zoom: The OIE hosts a virtual vigil to honor the lives lost during last summer's racial unrest across the country.
  • Diversity Dialogues: Criminal Justice Reform, 5-6:15 p.m., Feb. 23: The OIE hosts an online discussion about how the criminal justice system historically impacts communities of color.
  • Looking Forward: Diversity at SRU, 7:30 p.m., Feb. 24, via Zoom: SRU's Diversity Equity and Inclusion Strategic Planning Committee hosts an opportunity for SRU alumni to meet Terrance Mitchell, SRU's special assistant to the president for diversity and inclusion, and discuss the University's diversity and inclusion strategic plan. 
  • When Black Athletes Protest, 5 p.m., Feb. 25, via Zoom: SRU's History Department hosts a virtual panel discussion about Black athletes protesting racial injustice. 
  • #ForTheCulture, 7 p.m., Feb. 26, via Zoom: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. hosts a virtual game night where participants will match words and phrases to aspects of Black culture  
  • Where the Money Reside, a social media campaign hosted by Black alumni from SRU via Instagram, @srublackalumni, promoting black-owned alumni businesses. 

For more information about Black History Month events, contact the OIE at 724.738.2700 or oie@sru.edu. 

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

Search News