Black History Month 2020
"The Black Experience": Historical achievements of African Americans observed through February
"The Black Experience" is the theme of Black History Month 2020 observances at Parkland College.
The school will celebrate the historical achievements of African Americans with events including faculty lectures, student presentations, and a popular soul food luncheon.
The public is invited to participate in the following events, unless otherwise noted.
"Black Queens Rock: Unapologetically Black"
Celebration Luncheon
Monday, Feb. 3
noon–2 p.m.
Academic success coaches Jessica Jackson and Melanie Whited host this celebration of Black women students and staff at Parkland College; RSVP only.
Behind the Camera: Notes on a Historic Shift in Film Industry
Tuesday, Feb. 4
noon–1 p.m., Room U140
Dr. Marietta Turner, dean of students, will discuss African-Americans and their contributions to the cinema industry over the years; part of the Student Life Dine and Discuss series.
Black Student Success Project: Black Male/Female Relationships, Part I
Wednesday, Feb. 5
1–2 p.m., Room U140
This in-depth discussion of important topics in the African American community is a popular one with Parkland College students. Facilitated by Donna Tanner-Harold.
23 and We: Genetic Culture Testing and Cultural Identity
Thursday, Feb. 6
noon–1 p.m., Room U140
Dr. Joe Walwik, chair of Social Sciences and Human Services, leads the discussion of how genetic testing can be linked to culture identity. The participants are African-Americans who have participated in genetic testing.
Chair Massages
Friday, February 7
11 a.m.–Noon, Room U140
As part of our Wellness activities series for Black History Month, students will be able to receive massages from Parkland College Message therapy students and Program Director Tamala Everett.
It’s A WRAP: How I Started My Business
Tuesday, Feb. 11
noon–1:30 p.m., Room T117
Parkland College alum Jordan Butts will discuss how he started his car-detailing business.
Culturally Informed: Mental Health Practices
Tuesday, Feb. 11
1–1:30 p.m., Room u142
Counselor Marya Burke will present on mental health practices and how they relate to African Americans.
History of and Opportunities for Black Professionals in Dentistry
Wednesday, Feb. 12
noon–1 p.m., Room U140
Health Professions faculty Andre Townsend, DDS, will highlight the history and tremendous contributions of African Americans to the field of dentistry.
From Stress to Self-Care
Thursday, February 13
1–2 p.m., room U140
As part of our Wellness activities for Black History Month, students will get self-care tips on how to deal with stress. Presented by Alexus Hasler
Black History Month Luncheon
Friday, Feb. 14
11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Student Union cafeteria
Sample an array of foods from traditionally Southern African American cuisine. Luncheon tickets may be requested via email to nsanders@parkland.edu.
African-American Housing at the University of Illinois
Tuesday, Feb. 18
noon–1 p.m., Room U140
Jessica Ballard, visiting assistant professor/Archives resident at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, will discuss the history of housing for African Americans at the University of Illinois. This is part of the Dine and Discuss series.
Black Student Success Project: Black Male/Female Relationships, Part II
Wednesday, Feb. 19
1–2 p.m., Room U140
This in-depth discussion of important topics in the African American community is a popular one with Parkland College students. Facilitated by Donna Tanner-Harold.
Black Muslims in the United States
Thursday, Feb. 20
10–11 a.m., Room U140
Sociology Professor Evelyn Reynolds' presentation will explore the intersection of African Americans and the Muslim faith.
Mindfulness Mediation
Friday, February 21
1 p.m., room U140
As part of our Wellness activities series for Black History Month, students will be able to participate in mediation with Parkland College Wellness Coordinator Sara Maxwell.
Malcolm or Martin
Monday, Feb. 24
10–11 a.m., Room U140
Political Science Professor Dr. Willie Fowler will explore the two iconic civil rights leaders and their differentiation in philosophies and approaches.
Nigeria’s Giants: Burna Boy, Binti and……..Beyonce?
Tuesday, Feb. 25
noon–1 p.m., Room U140
This presentation will highlight the amazing creativity exploding out of the literary, arts, and music scene in Nigeria right now. Come hear about some great Afropop artists and Afrofuturist writers, from Literature Program Director Amber Landis.
Student Expression: Student Performances Featuring Spoken Word
Wednesday, Feb. 26
11 a.m.–1 p.m., Student Union cafeteria stage
Hosted by Jessica Jackson, Melanie Whited, and Tanino Minneci, the event features Parkland College students expressing themselves via spoken word, song, and other forms of entertainment.