Parkland College to Celebrate Black History Month 2025
This year's theme is "African Americans and Labor"
Parkland College will celebrate Black History Month 2025 with events focused on this year's theme "African Americans and Labor" throughout the month.
The college will explore historical and contemporary African American experiences and accomplishments all month long. Community members are invited to participate in all events unless otherwise noted.
Celebrations begin on Monday, February 3 from noon until 1 p.m. in the Student Union Cafeteria with a welcome from Parkland College President Pam Lau followed by a presentation from Professor Evelyn Reynolds entitled "Black Jobs: A Review of Current U.S. Labor Statistics and Racialized Work."
In this talk, Professor Reynolds will analyze occupational data regarding Black workers. She will also discuss recent comments made by Donald Trump and Steve Bannon regarding Black and immigrant workers as racialized attitudes about work translate into social policy.
The opening will be followed by a wide variety of month-long events:
Financial Awareness with Felicia Fee-Oliver
Tuesday, February 4, noon to 1 p.m., Room U140
Felicia Fee-Oliver, founder and financial consultant at Oliver and Associates Financial Services LLC, will discuss topics relating to financial literacy with an emphasis on empowering students toward achieving their financial and professional goals.
Breaking Generational Curses with Maliya Smith
Wednesday, February 5, 1 to 2 p.m., Room U140
Counselor Maliya Smith will address how trauma can impact individuals, families, communities, and entire groups of people from generation to generation with particular attention to societal-level factors such as racism, discrimination and factors relating to poverty. The talk will also explore powerful ways to overcome such trauma.
Express Yourself: Crafts, Music and Culture with Kristen Stephens
Monday, February 10, and Thursday, February 20, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Student Union Cafeteria
Accessibility Specialist Kristen Stephens will provide a hands-on opportunity for students to create a tangible representation of their individuality and culture.
LinkedIn 101 Webinar
Tuesday, February 11, 7 to 8 p.m., Online (Students Only)
Career Services is partnering with 10,000 Degrees to offer a free LinkedIn 101 webinar. This equity-focused nonprofit helps ensure educational equity for all students, especially those from underrepresented communities. Students will learn how LinkedIn can help connect with mentors, grow in their career, and find valuable resources. Students who complete the session will receive a free 1-year LinkedIn Premium account.
Island of Fire: The Black Worker and the Crisis of Subproletarianization with Augustus Wood
Wednesday, February 12, noon to 1:30 p.m., Student Union Cafeteria
The Black worker in U.S. history has often used labor spaces to resist racial oppression. Professor Wood will trace the "subproletarianization," or retrenchment of conditions of the Black worker from the 1970s to the present day. He will contextualize this crisis to Champaign-Urbana and how corporate universities like Illinois feed on the resources of the workers without restitution or reparations.
In Search of Family: Tracing Ancestors with Stephanie Davingman
Thursday, February 13, noon to 1 p.m., Room B223
Dean Davingman will give a talk called "In Search of Family: Tracing Ancestors" about processes involved in examining one’s family background/genealogy. She will provide examples and include discussion of challenges specific to African Americans in such efforts.
"Brilliant Color" Art Collage for Black History Month with Parkland Art & Design Club
Monday, February 17, 4 to 6 p.m., Gallery Lounge
Professor Denise Seif and Gallery Director Lisa Costello will offer students an opportunity to make artwork inspired by artist Alma Thomas specifically and more broadly around the overarching theme of Black History. This event is in coordination with the Parkland Art & Design Club.
Hot Takes/Race Talks with Black Students Assocation and Club Latino with Professors Marsh Jones and Jalisa Beauford
Tuesday, February 18, noon to 1 p.m., Room U140
Professors Marsh Jones and Jalisa Beauford will join BSA and Club Latino to discuss definitions of racism in our society and its history in the U.S. The group also considers incidents in the news with a view toward ways to overcome racism’s presence and impact in our world.
Black Professionals Panel Discussion
Wednesday, February 19, 1 to 2:30 p.m., Room D244
Parkland professors and invited guests will speak to students’ interests in exploring different career options/paths in diverse fields. Topics will include how the panelists got to where they are now, why they chose their career field, and what struggles they had in school and the work force, especially any discrimination they experienced.
Black Joy Social with Open Mic, Step Performance, and Choir
Thursday, February 20, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Student Union Cafeteria
The BSA will host a celebratory event recognizing the beauty and strength of African American communities and cultures. This event will include an open mic facilitated by the Inner Voices Theater group and performances by the local DREAAM Choir and DREAAM Praise Dance Troupe.
Soul Food Lunch
Monday, February 24, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., while supplies last, Student Union Cafeteria
ETC. catering will provide a soul food lunch in the Student Union Cafeteria. The meal will feature baked chicken, catfish, and a vegetarian option in celebration of Black History Month. Vouchers will be provided for students.
Anniversary Celebration of Brown vs. the Board of Education
Tuesday, February 25, 5 to 7 p.m., Student Union Cafeteria
Parkland College, in collaboration with the University of Illinois, will host a panel presentation in recognition of the 70th anniversary of the momentous Brown vs. the Board of Education court ruling tearing down racist barriers that denied full access to education for all. Dr. Lorenzo Baber will facilitate as panelists share the impact the ruling has had on their lives.
Trauma and Resilience with Karen Simms
Wednesday, February 26, 1 to 2 p.m., Room U140
Karen Simms, a nationally recognized speaker, trainer, and presenter will talk with students. The topics of discussion will range from trauma, trauma-informed care, building resiliency, addressing the root causes of community violence, positive youth justice, coalition building, cultural and gender-responsive practices, to integrated care and wellness.