Black History Month programming begins February 3

Metropolitan State University will officially kick off the university’s month-long Black History Month celebration on Feb. 3 with a panel discussion entitled, The Future of Black Consciousness, from 1 – 3 p.m. in the Founders Hall Auditorium, St. Paul Campus.

The distinguished panel of students and community leaders will include Brother Kwesi, Hosie Thurmond III, Keith Mays, Rose Brewer, Sam Grant III and others. The program is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be served.

In addition, the following series of three brown bag presentations will take place throughout the month from noon – 1 p.m. in New Main’s Saint Paul Room, St. Paul Campus:

• Feb. 9 — Michael Boston, assistant professor of ethnic and religious studies, presents "Black History, Learning It."
• Feb. 15 — Ray McCoy, associate vice president of student affairs, presents "Black History, Living It."
• Feb. 22 — Robert O’Connor, assistant professor of social work, presents "Black History, Loving It!"

Participants may bring their own lunch. Dessert will be provided. The presentations are free and open to the public.

On Feb. 9, the university will host its Third Annual Soul Food Dinner from 5:30 – 7 p.m. in New Main’s Great Hall, St. Paul Campus. Tickets are $5 for students with I.D. as well as faculty and staff, and $6 for others. The program will follow from 7:10 – 9:30 p.m. in the Founders Hall Auditorium, St. Paul Campus. The keynote speaker for the event will be George Rice III, leadership group director, Truth is Power, LLC.

Rice was born and reared in northwest Ohio and has spent his professional career pushing the envelope for accountability in education in our society. He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Morehouse College, Atlanta, Ga., and a master’s degree in mental health from Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio.

Others on the program include Nimley Napa-Pan African Dance Company, Praise Dance with Karissa Gibson, singer James Burks, spoken word artist Emjee, and storyteller Candy Pettiford.

The program will offer a tribute to Frederick Douglass, American abolitionist, editor and statesman. Tickets are available from Darcel Hill, associate director and liaison for African-American students, who can be reached at (651) 793-1541, or via email at Darcel.Hill@metrostate.edu. Hill’s office is located on the St. Paul Campus, Founders Hall, Room 126.

Tickets are also available from Stephanie Lasley in the TRIO Office, St. Paul Campus, Founders Hall, Room 221.

Additional Metropolitan State Black History Month events are free and open to the public; they are all scheduled to take place on the university’s St. Paul Campus:

• Feb. 13 — Mixed Blood Theatre performs Dr. King’s Dream from noon – 12:45 p.m. in the Founders Hall Auditorium. The play is a depiction of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s career from the Montgomery bus boycott to his death in Memphis, Tenn., and it features his most famous speeches, including "I Have a Dream." Seating is limited so reserve a spot by Feb. 6 with Lupe Sanchez at Lupe.Sanchez@metrostate.edu, or call (651) 793-1270.
• Feb. 14 — The film, Freedom Song, will be shown from 9 a.m.– noon in the Founders Hall Auditorium.
• Feb. 23 — Fashion Show from 7 – 9 p.m. in the Founders Hall Auditorium. Appetizers will be served in the Reception Area, to be followed by a dance from 9 p.m.– midnight in New Main’s Great Hall.
• Feb. 27 — Black Art Reception from 4 – 6 p.m. in the Founders Hall Reception Area, including poetry by Dr. James T. Shelton, assistant professor in human services, College of Professional Studies; and paintings by artist Donald Walker. Appetizers will be served.

Persons with a disability who need reasonable accommodations to participate in these events should call the Disability and Special Services Office at (651) 793-1540 (voice) or (651) 772-7687 (TTY).