FAU to Host Events in Honor of Black History Month

Florida Atlantic University will celebrate Black History Month with a series of events throughout the month of February at its Boca Raton, Jupiter, and Davie campuses.


By kelsie weekes | 1/31/2017

Florida Atlantic University will celebrate Black History Month with a series of events throughout the month of February at its Boca Raton, Jupiter, and Davie campuses. All events are open only to FAU students, faculty and staff unless otherwise noted.

The following events will take place at FAU’s Boca Raton campus, 777 Glades Road:

Community Justice: The Black Panther Party & Other Civil Rights Movements  

Friday, Jan. 20 through Saturday, March 4

Ritter Art Gallery

*Open to the public

This exhibition focuses on the activist movements that became prominent in the late 1960s and early 1970s through organizations such as the Black Panther Party, The Young Lords and the American Indian Movement. The exhibition includes an extensive collection of underground newspapers, magazines, photographs, audio, films and other documents of these community activist organizations.


Pursuit of Equality

Wednesday, Jan. 25 through Friday, March 3

Wimberly Library

*Open to the public

This exhibition highlights historic moments in black history, including the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing and the Little Rock Nine. It also includes a special exhibition on Pearl City, a historic black community in Boca Raton.


BSU Kwanzaa Fest

Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 7 p.m.

Grand Palm Room, Student Union

Come and learn about the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Developed by Maulana Karenga, Ph.D., Kwanzaa was created to introduce and reinforce basic values of African culture that contribute to building family, community and culture among African Americans.

Sharon Daniel Exhibition and Opening Reception

Thursday, Feb. 2 at 6:30 p.m.

Schmidt Center Gallery

*Open to the public

Scholar and artist Sharon Daniel creates digital media art that engages the public in a critical dialogue about crime and punishment. She challenges the assumption that imprisonment provides a solution to social problems. Daniels will introduce her work at the opening. Exhibit runs through Saturday, April 1.


Red Ball

Thursday, Feb. 2 at 7 p.m.

Live Oak, Student Union

Red Ball is an annual event hosted by the FAU Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), to raise awareness about AIDS and HIV. AIDS and HIV are both leading causes of death among African Americans, and raising awareness is a first step in stopping transmission.


‘Emergency’ by Daniel Beaty

Thursday, Feb. 2 at 8 p.m.

University Theatre

*Open to the public

When a slave ship emerges in front of the Statue of Liberty, New Yorkers are sent into a whirlwind of emotion. This drama by award-winning actor, writer and composer Daniel Beaty looks at how the black community responds to the ship, and serves as a commentary on what it is to be human and the longing to be free.

 
Owl Cultural

Friday, Feb. 3 at 11 a.m.

SO Rotunda

Join the Multicultural Programming Board in a celebration of Owl Cultural, highlighting and appreciating the rich diversity represented at FAU.

 
Movie Series: ‘Loving’

Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 6 p.m.

Palmetto Palm Room, Student Union

This film follows the real-life love story of Richard and Mildred Loving, an interracial couple who is sentenced to prison in Virginia in 1958 for getting married.


Blazers and the Arts

Friday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m.

Wimberly Library

This art expo is more than just art. Enjoy musical performances, live poetry, dancing and singing. The event is sponsored by the FAU student chapter of Progressive Black Men.


International Poetry Workshop

Tuesday, Feb. 14 at noon

University Theater

This workshop will help students learn the art of writing and reciting poetry, or improve the skills they already have.


Black History Poetry Night

Tuesday, Feb. 14 at 6 p.m.

University Theater

Students can show off their skills by engaging in a night of poetry that depicts the darkest and greatest moments of black history.


Chitlin’ Circuit

Friday, Feb. 17 at 8 p.m.

Live Oak, Student Union

The “Chitlin’ Circuit” was a name given to performance venues that were safe and acceptable for African American entertainers to perform at during the racial segregation era. This event looks at the growth in African American entertainment through the decades.


Pay it Forward: Thank You Mr. Carver

Saturday, Feb. 18 at noon

Palmetto Palm Room, Student Union

During this community service event, participants will prepare food to be shared with various homeless shelters in the community.


NAACP Sunday Brunch

Sunday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.

Live Oak, Student Union

Students will enjoy a Sunday brunch as they fellowship with friends and meet new people.


Movie Series: ‘Moonlight’

Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 4 p.m.

Queen Palm Room, Student Union

“Moonlight” is a timeless story of human connections and self-discovery. It chronicles the life of a young black man from childhood to adulthood as he struggles to find his place in the world while growing up in a rough Miami neighborhood.


Minorities in the Media

Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 11 a.m.

Palmetto Palm Room, Student Union

A panel of radio and TV personalities will discuss what it’s like to be a minority in the media, and explore the impact media has on shaping the narrative of how minorities are viewed and how they view others.


One-Man Show

Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 6 p.m.

University Theater

Students will learn about the life and times of Paul Robeson, a singer and actor who became involved in the Civil Rights Movement. The show promotes diversity, brotherhood, tolerance and education.


The Intersection: A Discussion on Being Black and Queer

Thursday, Feb. 23 at 4 p.m.

Queen Palm Room, Student Union

Students will participate in a candid, facilitated discussion on the impacts of being black and queer. Students will discuss ethics, family and various issues that stand out for black queer identities.


The Social Justice Exchange

Thursday, Feb. 23 from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m.

University Theatre Lobby

*Open to the public

FAU student organizations will have the opportunity to connect and meet with community organizers, service practitioners and social activists to exchange ideas and make impactful connections and collaborations. The event is co-sponsored by the Agora Project.


Speaker: Angela Davis

Thursday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m.

University Theatre

*Open to the public for $10

Angela Davis is the Distinguished Professor Emerita in the History of Consciousness Department at the University of California Santa Cruz. She also is a founding member of Critical Resistance, a national organization dedicated to the dismantling of the prison industrial complex, a term she helped popularize. Davis is most concerned with the range of social problems associated with incarceration and the generalized criminalization of those communities that are most affected by poverty and racial discrimination. Her recent books include “Abolition Democracy” and “Are Prisons Obsolete?” The event is free for FAU faculty, students, staff and alumni. Tickets are available to the public for $10 at www.fauevents.com


Jubilee

Monday, Feb. 27 at 1 p.m.

Queen Palm Room, Student Union

Students will learn how the faith and perseverance of nine black students at Fisk University saved the institution from closing down. 


Banner Signing

Tuesday, Feb. 28 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Wimberly Library

The FAU community is invited to sign a congratulatory banner for Carla Hayden, the first woman and the first African American to become Librarian of Congress. Hayden will not be in attendance, and the banner will be mailed to her office.


The following events will be held at FAU’s John D. MacArthur campus, 5353 Parkside Dr., in Jupiter:


Black History Month Kick-Off

Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 4 p.m.

The Burrow

In celebration of Black History Month, enjoy food with friends and participate in black history trivia.


Lunch & Learn: Intersections of Identity

Friday, Feb. 17 at noon

The Burrow

A person’s identity is composed of several different layers. During this workshop, participants will reflect on their own identity, think about why they do what they do and how this plays into their future.


Movie Series: ‘Race’

Monday, Feb. 20 at 7:30 p.m.

The Burrow

“Race” tells the story of Jesse Owens and his quest to become the greatest track and field athlete of all time. Set during the 1936 Olympics, the film teaches lessons about courage, determination, tolerance and friendship.


Gender Bender Ball

Friday, Feb. 24 at 8 p.m.

The Burrow

Express yourself in the fluidity of gender as we close out Black History Month. This dance features food, music and the crowning of the King and Queen of the Ball.


The following event will be held on FAU’s Davie campus, 3200 College Ave.:


Same Love

Wednesday, Feb. 8 from noon to 2 p.m.

Liberal Arts Patio

Broward LGBTQA will be tabling on the concept of “Same Love” and why it’s important within multicultural communities.

 
The following event will be held at Barry University, 11300 NE 2nd Ave., in Miami:


College Brides Walk

Friday, Feb. 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Lourdes Hall

*Open to the public

The College Brides Walk honors the life of Gladys Ricart, a victim of domestic violence on her wedding day. FAU is collaborating with other South Florida universities to remember lives lost and bring awareness to domestic and dating violence.

-FAU-

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