February 05, 2014

SIU celebrates Black History Month

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill.  -- Southern Illinois University Carbondale is sponsoring a variety of special events and activities in February in recognition of Black History Month 2014. 

The celebration, with the theme of “Civil Rights in America,” includes films, discussions and guest speakers. 

Rachel Griffin, an assistant professor in the Department of Communication Studies, will present “Imagining Black Women Through White Women’s Eyes:  Controversy, Resistance and Possibility in The Help” on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 7 p.m. in the African American Museum at University Mall. 

Author, educator and social justice activist Angela Davis will speak at 7 p.m., Feb. 13, in Shryock Auditorium.   

The Rev. Archibald “Doc” Mosely, of Carbondale, was one of the first African Americans to serve in the U.S. Marines and he will share his experiences at 5 p.m. Feb. 18 in the Student Services Building, rooms 150-160.  Mosely was recently honored during the NAACP banquet for his heroism.  The event, which will include a display of Mosely’s personal photographs, medals and awards, is in conjunction with a showing of the documentary “Marines of Montfort Point, Fighting for Freedom.” 

“Working for Justice in an Age of Mass Incarceration” a discussion about the prison industrial complex, the hip-hop movement and media representations of American prison life, is at 7 p.m. Feb. 20 at Lawson Hall, Room 231.  Speakers include Derrick Williams, assistant director of the Center for Inclusive Excellence and Craig Engstrom.  At 5 p.m. on Feb. 25, Philip Howze, interim chairman of Africana Studies, will speak about “The Enduring Need to Celebrate Black History Month” in the Student Center Mackinaw Room. 

The thought-provoking Tunnel of Oppression returns to Grinnell Hall from 5 to 9 p.m. Feb. 24-27. 

With the exception of a lecture series luncheon on Feb. 17, all Black History Month happenings are free and open to the public. 

Find the complete schedule of events online at:  inclusiveexcellence.siu.edu

Sponsors for Black History Month 2014 include:  Center for Inclusive Excellence, University Housing, Africana Studies, University College, SIU School of Law, The Women’s Center, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, the Progressive Masculinities Mentors, The Department of Communication Studies, Rock Hill Baptist Church and The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans*, Queer Resource Center.