Missouri State University will celebrate African American Heritage Month throughout February. This year’s events include lectures, plays, luncheons, awareness events and other activities focused on the theme of “Then and Now: Black Women in American History.”

“Education about various cultures and values is often more important than speculations on money, health, poverty and policy. It is one thing that challenges the status quo on nearly every account,” said Dr. Ken Coopwood, vice president for diversity and inclusion. “The 2012 slate of Black History Month programs at MSU presents an exciting historic exposure to timeless African and African American virtues and values for the enjoyment and education of all communities.”

Highlighted events include:

Feb. 2
The office of diversity and inclusion will present Unspeakable: A Dialogue on Race and Disability at 7 p.m. in Carrington Hall Auditorium. Dr. Susan Burch of Middlebury College will share from her book “Unspeakable: The Life Story of Junius Wilson.” Wilson spent 76 years at a state mental hospital without being declared insane or found guilty of any criminal behavior. A reception and book signing will follow the presentation.

Feb. 6
African American Read-In: Storytelling will begin at 7 p.m. at the Diversity Center at Drury University. The evening will feature poetry, music and stories written and composed by African Americans.

Feb. 7
The Association of Black Collegians will host HIV/AIDS in the Black Community presented by Stephanie Washington at 7 p.m. in Plaster Student Union, Room 312 AB.

Feb. 8
The Association of Black Collegians and Spectrum will present LGBT and African American Communities Forum – Part II at 6 p.m. in the Plaster Student Union Theater. This forum will discuss the challenges facing both communities in affirming one another.

Feb. 9-12
The department of theatre and dance will present “For Colored Girls who have Considered Suicide…When the Rainbow is Enuf” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9-11 and at 2 p.m. Feb. 12 at Plaster Student Union Theater. This experimental play illuminates the experience of being a woman of color in America. It explores themes ranging from first love to domestic violence through a series of 20 poems choreographed to music. A reception and discussion will follow the Feb. 12 production. Tickets are free for Missouri State students, $12 for other students and seniors, and $14 for adults. Tickets can be purchased by calling Missouri State TIX at (417) 836-7678 or visiting www.missouristatetix.com.

Feb. 15
The African American studies program will present Nannie Helen Burroughs and the Fight for Racial Justice at 7 p.m. in Glass Hall, Room 102. Dr. Angela Hornsby-Gutting, associate professor of history, will discuss Burroughs, who was a prominent educator, noted civil rights and women’s rights activist, and a noted figure in the National Baptist Convention. For more information, contact Dr. Matthew Calihman, associate professor of English, at (417) 836-5107.

Feb. 16
The office of multicultural student services and Ozarks Public Television will present Women and Girls Lead film screening of “Daisy Bates: First Lady of Little Rock” at noon in Plaster Student Union, Room 313. As a black woman who was a feminist before the term was invented, Daisy Bates refused to accept her place in society. For more information, contact Mary Norman, graduate assistant for the office of diversity and inclusion, at (417) 836-3043 or marynorman@missouristate.edu.

The Association of Black Collegians will present Plays and Poets… at 7 p.m. in the Kentwood Hall Crystal Room. The evening will feature one-act plays, poetry and spoken word by professional performer and representatives from the campus community.

Feb. 21
The African American Heritage Month committee will present “The State of Black College Students” at 7 pm. at Plaster Student Union. This documentary and following discussion will explore various aspects of college life through the lens of African American students. For more information, contact Charlotte Hardin, assistant vice president for multicultural programs, at (417) 836-3043 or multiculturalstudentservices@missouristate.edu.

Feb. 28
Student Activities Council will present guest speaker Dr. Debbye Turner at noon in the Plaster Student Union Theater. Turner, a former Miss America and national news media personality, will share her story. For more information, contact Tara Benson, assistant director of student engagement programs, at (417) 836-4386.

Feb. 29
Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts will present Ballet Memphis at 7:30 p.m. For more than 20 years, Ballet Memphis has been a creative resource to the nation as a maker and interpreter of the South’s cultural legacy through dance, production and training. Their evening of mixed repertory includes “In Dreams” performed to the music of Roy Orbison and a special appearance by the Missouri State University Gospel Choir. Tickets are $26 and $16 and can be purchased by calling the Hammons Hall box office at (417) 836-7678 or (toll free) 888-476-7849. For more information, contact Deb Gallion, director of marketing and promotions, at (417) 836-6767 or visit www.HammonsHall.com.

March 3
The multicultural student recruitment team and Omega Psi Phi will present the Battle on the Yard Step Show at 6 p.m. at the Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central East. Various chapters of the divine nine historically black fraternities and sororities will showcase their music, dance and stepping talents. Admission is $8 in advance and $10 at the door. For more information, contact Many Chapman at emmanuelchapman@missouristate.edu.

March 4
The Missouri State Gospel Choir will present Gospel Extravaganza at 4 p.m. in Plaster Student Union Theater. This concert will feature the MSU Gospel Choir and other collegiate and community choirs. For more information, contact Ramon Bates, community education coordinator for the Southwest Missouri Area Health Education Center, at (417) 836-3290 or rbates@missouristate.edu.

For a complete listing of events, visit the office of diversity and inclusion’s website. For more information, contact the office of diversity and inclusion at (417) 836-3736.

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Filed Under: African American Heritage month · coopwood · diversity