A lineup of events in February will honor African-American contributions to the campus and the world as Elon University celebrates Black History Month.
The Elon University community celebrates Black History Month in February with guest lectures, film screenings, performances, lectures and more. Organized by the university’s Black History Month Planning Committee, events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.
Feb. 1
Black History Month Speaker: Billy Stevens – “Samson and Delilah: From Pulpits to Pop Stars”
Moseley 215, 5:30 p.m.
Billy Stevens demonstrates the impact of Negro spirituals on American popular music with a fascinating journey spanning a century of American history. Using archival recordings of two songs based on biblical story of Samson and Delilah, Stevens describes how songs contributed to American popular music while transforming African American culture into the mainstream.
*This project is made possible by funding from the North Carolina Humanities Council, a statewide non- profit and affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Feb. 3
Black Student Union discussion: Black and the Diaspora
Numen Lumen Pavilion, 5:30 p.m.
What does blackness mean? Come support Elon’s Black Student Union and a faculty and staff panel in a discussion about blackness in America and in other counties and cultures around the world.
Feb. 8
Soul Cinema
African American Resource Room, 8 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Come and experience a celebration of Black History through film in a fun and relaxing environment. Movies will be shown in the African American Resource Room in the Moseley Center throughout the day and night from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Feb. 14
“My Black is Beautiful Because ….” Campaign
Phi Beta Kappa Plaza during College Coffee
The “My Black is Beautiful Because ….” Campaign shines the light and celebrates the beauty of black culture. Come support and share in the visible expressions of self–love within the Elon black community.
Feb. 17
Black Solidarity Day and Black History Month Speaker: Bakari Sellers
McKinnon Hall, 12:30 p.m.
Bakari Sellers made history in 2006 when, at just 22 years old, he defeated a 26-year incumbent state representative to become the youngest member of the South Carolina state legislature and the youngest African American elected official in the nation. In 2014 he was the Democratic Nominee for lieutenant governor in South Carolina.
Earning his undergraduate degree from Morehouse College, where he served as student body president, and his law degree from the University of South Carolina, Sellers has followed in the footsteps of his father, civil rights leader Cleveland Sellers, in his tireless commitment to service taking championing progressive policies to address issues ranging from education and poverty to preventing domestic violence and childhood obesity.
His impressive list accomplishment in addition to having served on former President Barack Obama’s South Carolina steering committee during the 2008 election, Sellers is widely considered to be a rising star within the Democratic Party and leading voice for his generation. That coupled with his uncommon ability to reach across the aisle and get things done has led to numerous accolades including being named to TIME Magazine’s 40 Under 40 in 2010 as well as 2014 and 20015 “The Root 100” list of the nation’s most influential African-Americans and has provided commentary and analysis to CNN and MSNBC including multiple appearances on with Chris Matthews and . He now currently serves on AIPAC’s National Council.
Feb. 19
Celebration of Gospel
Numen Lumen Pavilion, 1 p.m.
The Gospel Music experience cannot be told in a short story, or even in a melody of songs, for it is far too rich, far too harmonious and deliberately stimulating. It is a living experience, always changing, always giving, and always becoming the foundation that gave moral, physical and spiritual support to a great and powerful people. Come celebrate with Elon Gospel Choir as we rejoice and uplift through praise and reflection.
Feb. 23
Black History Month Speaker Series: Katherin Mellen Charron
McKinnon D, 5:30 p.m.
“Septima Clark, Citizenship Education, and Women in the Civil Rights Movement” – Civil rights activist Septima Clark is best known for her role in developing the Citizenship Schools. This talk focuses on three moments in Clark’s life to show that the roots of the program in the organizing tradition forged by black women educators in the segregated South.
*This project is made possible by funding from the North Carolina Humanities Council, a statewide nonprofit and affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Feb. 27
Assistant Professor Jason Aryeh: “Senzeni Na”
McCrary Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
This performance production celebrates the black history experience and examines South African racial segregation and white supremacy long before the apartheid. The controversial segregation by forcing black South Africans to live in reserves and making it illegal for them to work as sharecroppers. Resistance to apartheid within South Africa took many forms over the years, from non–violet demonstrations protest and strikes to political action and eventually to armed resistance. “Senzeni Na” also celebrates the end of apartheid and black South African’s release from the silent grief of the past into a hopeful future of lasting peace. The performance also addresses the current political climate and its impact on everyone.