Nationally, Black History Month has been celebrated annually in February since 1976 and celebrates African American achievements and recognizes the central role of African Americans in United States history.
The St. Charles Community College African American Faculty & Staff Association (AAFSA), the SCC Library (LRC) and the Office of Student Life want to recognize Black History Month and will be holding several themed events during the month of February.
All events are free and open to the public, and they will be held in the Donald D. Shook Social Sciences Building auditorium unless otherwise stated. The campus is located at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Dr. in Cottleville.
- 6:30-10 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6
Film: “True Justice: Bryan Stevenson's Fight for Equality”
This film follows Stevenson's struggle to create fairness and shows how racial injustice emerged, evolved and continues to threaten the country. A moderated discussion will take place after the showing. - 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13
Film: “Black America Since MLK: And Still I Rise” parts 1-2
In this four-part series, Henry Louis Gates, Jr. embarks on a deeply personal journey through the past fifty years of African American history. Joined by leading scholars, celebrities and more, Gates examines the victories of the civil rights movement up to the present day, asking profound questions about the state of “Black America” and the nation as a whole. Part one begins at 11:30 a.m., and Part two begins at 1 p.m. A moderated discussion will take place after the showings. Parts three and four will be shown at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 24.
- 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19
Discussion: Making of “A Red Circle”
Erica R. Williams, executive director of A Red Circle, will discuss the journey she took due to the civil unrest that occurred in Ferguson, Mo. In reaction to the fatal shooting of Michael Brown by police officer Darren Wilson on Aug. 9, 2014, and the subsequent protests and riots that arose, she created a not-for-profit organization - A Red Circle. The organization is attempting to reverse the impact of the racial disparities and economic inequities that exist in North County by focusing on five key areas: employment, education, holistic living, policy and the arts.
- 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19
Discussion: “Hip-Hop and Politicking”
SCC Professor Marvin Tobias will explain the history of hip-hop music and culture in relation to political issues and African American life, focusing on the most influential and popular artists' messages and how they have impacted policy and voting patterns of a generation.
- 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19
Discussion: “Change Agents: Black Women and Activism"
This presentation will highlight black women's activism - from slavery to contemporary times. Focusing on a variety of activists, Dr. Prewitt will explore black women's unique position as change agents, as well as the ways in which the social/political landscape shaped their efforts and contributions to social change.
- 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24
Film: “Black America Since MLK: And Still I Rise” parts 3-4
In this four-part series, Henry Louis Gates, Jr. embarks on a deeply personal journey through the past fifty years of African American history. Joined by leading scholars, celebrities and more, Gates examines the victories of the civil rights movement up to the present day, asking profound questions about the state of “Black America” and the nation as a whole. Part three begins at 6 p.m., and Part four begins at 7:30 p.m. A moderated discussion will take place after the showings. - 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28
Cultural excursion at the Griot Museum of Black History
SCC students only: Experience and embrace the region's rich and enduring African American heritage with a cultural excursion at the Griot Museum of Black History. Afterward, we will have lunch at the Golden Corral Restaurant in O'Fallon, Mo. This is a free event and by reservation, and is limited to 50 students. Interested students must make their reservation in person at the Student Activities Office in the College Center, room 102. For more information, contact the Student Life Manager, Robert Jones, at 636-922-8469 or robert_jones@stchas.edu.
For more information on these events, contact Robert Jones at robert_jones@stchas.edu or 636-922-8469.
St. Charles Community College strives to provide reasonable accommodations to all people at any SCC-sponsored event. Please contact Disability Support Services at dss@stchas.edu or 636-922-8581 as early as possible to discuss your needs.
St. Charles Community College is a public, comprehensive two-year community college with associate degrees and certificate programs in the arts, business, sciences and career-technical fields. SCC provides workforce training and community-based personal and professional development as well as cultural, recreational and entertainment opportunities. For more information, visit www.stchas.edu.