Penn State student organizations and units at campuses across the Commonwealth will be holding events in honor of Black History Month. Here’s a look at some of the events taking place at the University’s campuses during the month of February.
This list will be updated as events are added throughout the month; the University community is invited to send diversity and inclusion events for consideration to DiversityEvents@psu.edu.
PENN STATE UNIVERSITY PARK
Throughout February — The Stuckeman Family Building's lobby monitor will show an ongoing presentation featuring historic and contemporary black designers, including architects, landscape architects and graphic designers. Presented by the College of Arts and Architecture. Stuckeman Family Building lobby.
Feb. 3 — Penn State’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America is bringing in diversity advocate Brandi Boatner, the social and influencer lead for Global Markets in IBM corporate communications, to speak about diversity and inclusion. All students and faculty are invited to attend. 6-7 p.m. at Sparks 121.
Feb. 5 — African Studies Spring 2020 Seminar Series — Yanni Kostonis, professor of history and Russian and Slavic Studies at New York University, will present "Black, Greek, and Imperial: The Encounter of Race, Empire, and Nation in the Revolutionary Age, 1790s–1815," as part of the African Studies Program Spring 2020 Seminar Series. Free admission. 12:30 p.m., 319 Walker Building.
Feb. 6 — Marcia Chatelain, Georgetown University, will present a lecture and book signing, "Franchise: The Golden Arches in Black America." Sponsored by the Africana Research Center. Free admission. 6-7:30 p.m., Foster Auditorium, Paterno Library.
Beginning Feb. 8 — A new exhibition, "African Brilliance: A Diplomat’s Sixty Years of Collecting," will showcase more than 80 works from East, Central, and West Africa collected over six decades by retired U.S. Ambassador Allen C. Davis. The objects presented include carved and decorated wooden sculptures, natural fiber and beaded textiles, metalwork, and ceramic pots that represent household, community and ritual practices from across these peoples and regions. Palmer Museum of Art.
Feb. 12 — Robert Voeks, professor of geography and the environment at California State University, will present "Out of Africa: Ethnobotanical Conversations in the Atlantic World," as part of the African Studies Program Spring 2020 Seminar Series. Free admission. 12:30 p.m., 319 Walker Building.
Feb. 14 — Douglass Day 2020: Join us for a "transcribe-a-thon" with the papers of Anna Julia Cooper, a visionary Black feminist leader, educator, intellectual and activist. Sponsored by Penn State University Libraries, Department of English, Department of African American Studies, and Center for Humanities and Information. For more information, visit http://douglassday.org/ or contact Racine Amos, rla5306@psu.edu. Noon-3 p.m., Mann Assembly Room, Paterno Library.
Feb. 14 — William Dewey, associate professor of art history, will present a talk, "African Brilliance: A Diplomat’s Sixty Years of Collecting." This event is part of the "African Brilliance: A Diplomat’s Sixty Years of Collecting" exhibit. 12:10 p.m., Palmer Museum of Art.
Feb. 19 — Bolaji Campbell, professor of African and African Diaspora art, Department of Theory and History of Art and Design, RISD, will present "Yoruba Masking at the Diasporic Crossroad," examining four contemporary African diaspora artists, Wole Lagunju, Moyo Okediji, Leonce Raphael Agbodjelou and Nick Cave, who have appropriated Egungun iconography as an abiding symbol of their artistic vision. 5:30 p.m., Palmer Museum of Art.
Feb. 21 — The Black Graduate Student Association will host a banquet, "Celebration of Black Lives," with Dominican-American entrepreneur and investor John Henry as speaker. The theme is "self-determination." This event is free and open to all members of the Penn State community. 6:30 p.m., HUB-Robeson Center's Heritage Hall.
Feb. 22 — Family Day: "Textiles and African Brilliance." Explore the woven, embroidered, and beaded textiles in "African Brilliance" and create your own raffia weaving. Don't miss a performance at noon by the community ensemble Roots of Life. Visitors to Family Day events at the Palmer can enjoy brief, family-friendly guided tours and art activities designed for all ages. Noon to 3 p.m., Palmer Museum of Art.
Feb. 26 — Mark Moritz, associate professor of anthropology at the Ohio State University, will present "Insecurity and its Impacts on Pastoral Systems in the Chad Basin," as part of the African Studies Program Spring 2020 Seminar Series. Free admission. 12:30 p.m., 319 Walker Building.
Feb. 27 — Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, Princeton University, will present a talk on her book, "Race for Profit: How Banks and the Real Estate Industry Undermined Black Homeownership." Sponsored by the Africana Research Center. Free admission. 6-7:30 p.m., Foster Auditorium, Paterno Library.
PENN STATE ALTOONA
Feb. 9 — "Fences" film screening. A working-class African American father tries to raise his family in the 1950s, while coming to terms with the events of his life. 6 p.m., Slep Student Center.
Feb. 10 — "Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am" film screening. This artful and intimate meditation on the legendary storyteller examines her life, her works, and the powerful themes she has confronted throughout her literary career. 6:30 p.m., Slep Student Center.
Feb. 11 — The True Black History Traveling Museum. The exhibit, "A Tribute to the African American Journey," features over 150 artifacts and original documents from historical figures including Martin Luther King Jr., Booker T. Washington, Rosa Parks, George Washington Carver, Angela Davis, and President Barack Obama. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Slep Student Center, interactive lecture at 12:15 p.m.
Feb. 17 — African American Read-In Monday Marathon. Students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to read and/or listen to the literary works of African American writers. This year’s theme is “Black Theatre through a Black Lens,” celebrating the African American dramatic literary tradition — its themes, forms, and playwrights — from slavery times through the first two decades of the 21st century. 9 a.m.-5. p.m., Misciagna Family Center for Performing Arts.
Feb. 17 — African American Read-In keynote speaker Charles Dumas. Dumas, professor emeritus in the School of Theatre at Penn State University, will present “How August Wilson’s Decade Series Changed the American Narrative.” Noon, Misciagna Family Center for Performing Arts.
Feb. 17 — African American Read-In featured author Denise J. Hart. An associate professor at Howard University, Hart is the recipient of several national playwriting honors and awards. She is also a screenwriter, a dramaturg and a director. Hart's plays are grounded in the African American experience and explore the intersection of race, class and identity and its impact on memory, personal integrity, and family. 5:30 p.m., Misciagna Family Center for Performing Arts.
Feb. 23 — Black History Month trivia contest. 6 p.m., Slep Student Center.
PENN STATE BERKS
Feb. 6 — Hip Hop and Poetry Slam: The Black Student Union and the Berks Hip Hop group will join forces to present the history of hip hop with performances, cyphering and sharing of material. Guests who attend the free workshop will learn about the history and culture of hip hop. For more information, contact Kayla Frison, president of the Black Student Union, at KCF5161@psu.edu. 6 p.m., location TBD.
Feb. 12 — Sybrina Fulton, co-author of “Rest in Power: The Enduring Life of Trayvon Martin," will visit the Berks campus. Since the death of her 17-year-old son, Trayvon Martin, during a violent confrontation in 2012, Fulton has become an inspiring spokesperson for parents and concerned citizens across the country. For more information, contact the Office of Campus Life at 610-396-6076. 7 p.m., Perkins Student Center Auditorium.
Feb. 12 —The Black Student Union will host a Black Out event to help shed light on the history of social injustices that black and brown people have endured. The event will be presented by selected faculty and students. For additional information, contact Kayla Frison, president of the Black Student Union, at KCF5161@psu.edu. 12:15-1:15 p.m., Tully’s.
Feb. 19 — The Black Excellence event is a workshop comprised of fun activities centered around the past, present, and future of Black history, including cuisine from various Black cultures. For additional information, contact Kayla Frison, president of the Black Student Union, at KCF5161@psu.edu. 6 p.m., Perkins Student Center Multipurpose Room.
Feb. 28 — The Black Student Union and the Penn State Berks Diversity Committee will cohost the second annual “Being Black at Berks, A Cultural Showcase of Black Culture.” The evening will include various forms of spoken word poetry, hair and fashion shows, a performance by the Berks Step Team, and light refreshments. For additional information, contact Sharon Pitterson-Ogaldez, coordinator of diversity and international programs, at 610-396-6080 or SUP373@psu.edu. 5 p.m., Perkins Student Center Multipurpose Room.
DICKINSON LAW
Feb. 6 — “How to Be an Antiracist," presented by Ibram X. Kendi, professor of history and international relations and the founding director of the Antiracist Research and Policy Center at American University, who will discuss ways to understand, explain and solve the seemingly intractable problems of racial inequality and injustice. A book sale and signing will follow. 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Dickinson College’s Anita Tuvin Schlechter Auditorium.
Feb. 14-20 — Penn State Dickinson Law will serve as the presenting sponsor of the film “Just Mercy” at the Carlisle Theatre downtown. The film tells the true story of Walter McMillian, who, with the help of young defense attorney Bryan Stevenson, appealed his murder conviction. The film is based on Stevenson's memoir of the same name. Showings will be 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14, 16, 19, and 20; and 2 p.m. Feb. 16, Carlisle Theatre.
Feb. 19 — "Movement vs. Monument" — The Black Law Students Association welcomes Kenya Mann Faulkner, director of the Office of Ethics and Compliance at Penn State, as keynote. Faulkner will engage a conversation about actively contributing to a “movement” and taking collective action towards moving the needle on justice vs. being a “monument” and simply part of the scenery. 12:15-1:30 p.m., Room 116.
Feb. 20 — The Black Law Students Association is planning an exciting Third Thursday this month which will include a “sip and paint” activity for attendees. This promises to be a really fun, artistic way to unwind and connect with our community. 4 to 5:30 p.m., the Commons.
Feb. 27 — Community Conversation with Sarah Williams, a securities regulation expert who protected the investing public while at the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, FINRA, and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. As an African-American woman in a field that has been dominated by white males, Williams has faced adversities being the only person of color in senior management positions and reconciling perceptions that her achievements were the result of her minority status. 12:20-1:15 p.m., Room 124.
PENN STATE FAYETTE, THE EBERLY CAMPUS
Feb. 13 — Penn State Fayette will host a discussion with Fred Saffold III, CEO and founder of The True Black History Museum. The current traveling exhibit, “A Tribute to the African-American Journey,” comprises over 150 authentic artifacts and original documents from historical figures from the late 1700s to the 21st century, including Booker T. Washington, Mary McLeod Bethune, George Washington Carver, Rosa Parks, Frederick Douglass, Angela Davis, President Barack Obama, and more. The event is free and open to the public. EXHIBIT: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Williams Building lower level. SAFFOLD TALK: 12:15 p.m., Student Center.
PENN STATE GREATER ALLEGHENY
Throughout February — Black History Month displays will offer the opportunity to learn about the amazing contributions of dynamic individuals, and additional artistry made by Greater Allegheny students. Student Community Center (SCC).
Feb. 10 — "Black in Space": Learn about the time when the White House and NASA teamed up to put the first black astronaut into orbit. Email jpd5906@psu.edu to sign up. Heinz History Center.
Feb. 20 — Come celebrate black history and compete for a chance to win prizes at Black History Jeopardy. 12:15-1:15 p.m., Ostermayer Room.
Feb. 26 — BSU Soul Food Chowdown — The Black Student Union will host a dinner catered by Vickey's Soul Grill Restaurant & Catering. The event will feature local speakers and a performance by the Legacy Arts Project. 5:30 p.m., Ostermayer Room.
Feb. 28 — The Black Student Union will wrap up Black History Month 2020 with a '90s Throwback Party, featuring free food and entertainment. 9 p.m., FCC Theatre.
PENN STATE HARRISBURG
Feb. 6 — Soul Cafe, a Black History Month Celebration with spoken word poet Joan 'Lyric' Leslie and authentic catered soul food. 11:15 a.m., Oliver LaGrone Cultural Arts Center.
Feb. 14 — The True Black History Traveling Museum — The current exhibit, titled "A Tribute to the African-American Journey," features over 150 artifacts, and includes original documents from historic figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Mary McLeod Bethune, Booker T. Washington, Rosa Parks, George Washington Carver, Angela Davis, President Barack Obama, and many others. Presented by Office of Student Life and the Diversity and Educational Equity Committee. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Morrison Gallery.
Feb. 13 — African American Read-In — The campus community is invited to listen to the literary works of African American writers read by student, faculty and staff members, and participate in discussion. The National African American Read-In began in 1989 to promote diversity in children’s literature, encourage young people to read, and shine a spotlight on African American authors to celebrate literacy and black American literature. 11:30 a.m., Oliver LaGrone Cultural Arts Center
PENN STATE LEHIGH VALLEY
Through March 14 — Art exhibit: "womenXwomen," featuring work by women artists, portraying women, from the Petrucci Family Foundation Collection of African-American Art. The collection highlights a wide range of African-American visual creativity and its essential place in the history and discourse of American art. Ronald K. De Long Gallery, Lehigh Valley campus.
Feb. 12 — Culture Chat: The Black Community — A panel of students will engage the audience in an open and honest conversation on being a member of the black community. This program is meant to increase awareness, minimize stigma and help us continue to build an educated and supportive campus community. Hosted by Student Affairs and the Black Student Union. For more information, contact Pam Fleck, paf5197@psu.edu. 12:15 p.m., Room 135.
Feb. 26 — Soul Steps dance troupe will return to campus to share their interactive program, including the history of step dancing and a demonstration and lesson. Hosted by Student Affairs and the Black Student Union. For more information, contact Pam Fleck, paf5197@psu.edu. 12:15 p.m., Room 135.
PENN STATE SCRANTON
Feb. 6 — Penn State Scranton’s Office of Multicultural Diversity will host a Movie Night featuring a free showing of “Hidden Figures.” 5 p.m., Dawson Building, Room 10.
Feb. 14 — Douglass Day Transcribe-A-Thon, celebrating Frederick Douglass’ birthday and the fact that Douglass Day was one of the origins of Black History Month. Noon and 3 p.m. in the Library.
Feb. 18 — “Homegoing” book discussion with Eva Tettenborn, associate professor of English at Penn State Scranton. Tettenborn will help provide a historical context of the debut novel of Ghanaian-American novelist Yaa Gyasi, as well as provide a brief history of slave narratives throughout literature. 7 p.m. in the Albright Memorial Library, Vine Street, Scranton.
Feb. 19 — Penn State Scranton’s Student Services and Engagement will hold a Black History Kahoot Game and Bingo. 3 p.m., the Study Learning Center’s The View Café.
Feb. 25 — A free performance by Soul Steps dance troupe. a NYC dance group that showcases the African American dance tradition known as “stepping.” Their mission is to expand the presence of stepping throughout the world while creating avenues for cultural exchange and awareness among diverse communities. Noon, The View Café.
PENN STATE WILKES-BARRE
Feb. 12 — Michael Fosberg will perform his one-man play, “Incognito.” The event is free and open to the public but has limited seating. To reserve seating, email jackiewp@psu.edu with “Incognito” in the subject line by Feb. 7. Noon-1 p.m., the Academic Commons, Barry Auditorium 103.
PENN STATE YORK
Feb. 4 — In celebration of Black History Month, the Zuzu Acrobats, a five-person Kenyan acrobatic show, will take to the stage for a free performance at the Pullo Center. Sponsored by Penn State York Student Affairs and Penn State Global Programs. Tickets are not needed for this performance. 7 p.m., Pullo Family Performing Arts Center.
Feb. 27 — In honor of Black History Month, join us for a spoken-word presentation by Mwende “FreeQuency” Katwiwa. The 2018 Women of the World Poetry Slam Champion, a 2017 TEDWomen speaker and ranked 3rd at the 2015 Individual World Poetry Slam, FreeQuency speaks of the #BlackLivesMatter movement, activism, and the intersectionality of issues affecting black Americans today. 12:15–1:15 p.m., 006 Ruhl Student Center, the PCC Community Room.
PENNSYLVANIA COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
Feb. 4 — Enjoy Campus Bingo, with a twist! All prizes are related to Black History Month. 7 p.m., CC Commons dining unit, Bush Campus Center.
Feb. 19 — Culture Cafe: A dinner in celebration of Black History Month. 5-8 p.m., CC Commons dining unit, Bush Campus Center.
Feb. 21 — Tongue & Groove: Poetry, Spoken Word & Storytelling — Share your talent and enjoy live entertainment featuring spoken-word artist Ryan Jones. Snacks and drinks are provided. The event sponsored by the Wildcat Events Board. 7 p.m., Thompson Professional Development Center.
Every Thursday at 2 p.m. — Pop Culture Power Hour: Join us every Thursday as we explore how different aspects of identity are portrayed in the media, and how it shapes our views and understanding. This month will focus on race in pop culture. Student Organization & Leadership Center Conference Room, Bush Campus Center.