Black History Month events look ‘beyond the dream’

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With the start of February, Bowling Green State University’s “Beyond ‘The Dream’” series focuses on Black History Month. From movies at the BGSU Film Theater to guest speakers and musicians and an academic conference, the month provides a variety of opportunities to share in the African- American experience.

Highlighting the month is the 18th annual Black Issues Conference on Feb. 17 in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union.

PJ Jones, a 2010 BGSU alumna and assistant director of multicultural and diversity affairs at the University of Florida, will give the keynote address, “Art Is Power,” during the conference luncheon, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. in 228 Union. Jones is also the co-founder of Fearlessly Fierce LLC and the co-creator and personality behind the “Educated and Melanted” podcast. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and the Sidney A. Ribeau President’s Leadership Academy Alumni Society.

Concurrent research sessions throughout the day will cover topics such as “Black Popular Music and Its Cultural Influences,” “The Importance of Social Justice to African-Americans,” “Black Art and the Black Art Movement,” “Dealing with Aggression toward Black Females,” “LGBT Identity and Representation,” “African-American College Experiences,” “Black Elementary Education,” and “Food Struggles in American and African-American Culture.”

To begin the day, the University will welcome area high school students to a 10 a.m. workshop sharing first-year college experiences and personal development.

The conference is free for BGSU students, $15 for BGSU faculty and high school students, and $20 for others. The deadline to register is midnight Feb. 8.

Tuesdays at the Gish presents “Creed,” a sequel in the “Rocky” franchise, on Feb. 6; the Oscar-winning “Moonlight” on Feb. 13; “The Fits,” a coming-of-age story focused on dancing, on Feb. 20; and “Short Term 12,” about a group home for kids, starring Brie Larson, on Feb. 27. Screenings begin at 7:30 p.m. in Hanna Hall and each film in the series will be introduced by a BGSU doctoral student or faculty member. Admission is free.

Other events during February include “The Black Art Experience,” focusing first on fine art, from 7-11 p.m. Feb. 23 in the Community Room side (202B) of the Lenhart Grand Ballroom at the Union. Performing arts will be featured from 7-9 p.m. Feb. 24 in 101 Olscamp Hall. The two-day event is sponsored by the Council of Multicultural Organizations and the BGSU Office of Multicultural Affairs.

Updated: 05/21/2019 04:13PM