Parkland College Celebrates Black History Month 2019
Join faculty, staff, students in events celebrating African American achievement
"History, Heritage and Hope: Looking Forward" is the theme of Black History Month 2019 observances at Parkland College.
The school will celebrate the historical achievements of African Americans with events including faculty lectures, student presentations, a cultural fashion show, and a popular soul food luncheon.
The public is invited to participate in the following events, unless otherwise noted.
Reasons to Rethink Black History Month
Tuesday, Feb. 5
1 p.m., Room U140
During this presentation, Social Sciences and Human Services faculty chair Dr. Joe Walwik will explore why we should think more critically about Black History Month and how we celebrate the month of recognition for African Americans. The event is part of Student Life's monthly Dine and Discuss series.
Black Student Success Project: Relationships I
Wednesday, Feb. 6
1–2 p.m., Room U140
This in-depth discussion of romantic relationships in the African-American community is a popular one with Parkland College students.
Black Muslims in the U.S.
Tuesday, Feb. 12
Noon–1 p.m., Room U140
Sociology Professor Evelyn Reynolds explores the intersection of African Americans and the Muslim faith.
Leaning In and the Black Experience
Wednesday, Feb. 13
Noon–1 p.m., Room U140
Presented by Dr. Marietta Turner, Parkland College's dean of students, this presentation centers around Michelle Obama’s new book “Becoming” and the conversations that are of value to the next generation of African Americans.
Black History Month Luncheon
Thursday, Feb. 14
11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Room U140
Sample an array of foods from traditionally Southern African American cuisine. Luncheon tickets may be requested via email to nsanders@parkland.edu.
Black Panther and AfroFuturism
Tuesday, Feb. 19
Noon–1 p.m., Room U140
Literature Program Director Amber Landis will explore the recent popularity of AfroFuturism, especially in the Black Panther series. The talk is part of the monthly Dine and Discuss series.
Racialized Stress and Trauma in Higher Education
Wednesday, Feb. 20
11 a.m.–noon, Room U140
Nathan Stephens, director of the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, leads this discussion, which deals with the mental health of African American students in higher education.
Black Student Success Project: Relationships II
Wednesday, Feb. 20
1–2 p.m., U140
This in-depth discussion of romantic relationships in the African American community is a popular one with Parkland College students.
The Art of Kehinde Wiley: Painter of President Obama’s Official Portrait
Thursday, Feb. 21
11 a.m.–noon, Room U140
Giertz Gallery Director Lisa Costello and Art History Instructor Laura O’Donnell discuss the work of Kehinde Wiley, a celebrated contemporary artist and the first African American artist selected to paint an official presidential portrait, that of President Barack Obama, which hangs in the Smithsonian Institution's National Portrait Gallery.
Diversity in the Classroom
Monday, Feb. 25
10 a.m.–11 a.m., Room D105
Political science professor Dr. Willie Fowler will discuss how diversity plays a factor in classrooms all across the world.
Donald Trump and African-Americans: Has He Delivered?
Tuesday, Feb. 26
11 a.m.–noon, Room D105
President Donald Trump promised numerous initiatives and projects during his 2016 presidential campaign that would empower African Americans. Dr. Willie Fowler's presentation will take a look at the progress the Trump Administration has made on these initiatives.
Afro-Puerto Rican Women in Popular Culture
Wednesday, Feb. 27
11 a.m.-Noon, Room D105
UIUC Anthropology's Dr. Quinones, a Caribbeanist, will focus her talk on how Afro-Puerto Rican women are depicted in popular culture.
Cultural Fashion Show
Wednesday, Feb. 27
Noon–1 p.m., Student Union Cafeteria
Parkland College Student Government will host a fashion show that provides a cultural exhibition of black fashion, pre- and post-Americanization.
Student Voices, Spoken Word and Original Songs by Parkland Students
Friday, March 1
11 a.m.–1 p.m., Cafeteria Stage, Student Union
This open mike show features Parkland College students reciting original poems, monologues, and other spoken word. Event is sponsored by the academic coaches of the Center for Academic Success.