Black History Month at UIC
The University of Illinois at Chicago’s Black History Month commemorates the culture and contributions of Africans and African Americans with the theme, “Celebrating More Than a Month…Celebrating a Movement.”
Events of note include talks by Sharon Cooper (Feb. 4), sister of Sandra Bland, and Jonathan Butler (Feb. 18), who held a hunger strike amidst the recent protest at the University of Missouri.
Admission is free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted. A complete schedule of events is available online.
For more information on Black History Month programs, call (312) 413-5070.
Schedule highlights:
Monday, Feb. 1
“Racial Resurrections: Remembering Transatlantic Slavery in Contemporary France.” Lecture by Crystal Fleming, assistant professor of sociology at Stony Brook University. 1 – 3 p.m. UIC Richard J. Daley Library, Conference Room, 801 S. Morgan St.
Tuesday, Feb. 2
Opening Reception Trivia Night. Black History Month kick-off event features trivia celebrating the achievements and contributions of African Americans. 4 – 6 p.m. UIC Student Center East, Illinois Room, 750 S. Halsted St.
Wednesday, Feb. 3
UIC African American Cultural Center Open House. Visit the center’s library, gallery and office to learn about its resources and programs. Noon – 2 p.m. UIC African American Cultural Center Library, Addams Hall, 830 S. Halsted St.
Thursday, Feb. 4
“A Choreography of Contagion.” West campus opening for exhibition featuring images from private institutions, health journals and popular media that explore how people of African descent have been represented in public health campaigns. Presented by UIC’s African American Cultural Center in collaboration with the UIC School of Public Health’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion. 10 – 11:30 a.m. UIC School of Public Health, Activity Room (SPHPI 160), 1603 W. Taylor St.
Sharon Cooper, sister of Sandra Bland
Thursday, Feb. 4
“Beyond the Headlines: My Sister’s Story.” Sharon Cooper, sister of Sandra Bland, discusses the life and legacy of her sister as well as developments in the legal case. 5 – 7 p.m. UIC Student Center East, Illinois Room, 750 S. Halsted St.
Friday, Feb. 5
“Hoop It Up Basketball Tournament.” Game between UIC faculty/staff, students and alumni. 5 – 9 p.m. UIC Student Recreation Facility, 737 S. Halsted St.
Tuesday, Feb. 9
“Let’s Talk: Taking Care of Ourselves While We Heal Our Community.” Interactive discussion with UIC Counseling Center about maintaining mental, physical and emotional wellness during a time of racial unrest. 4 – 5:30 p.m. UIC African American Cultural Center Library, Addams Hall, 830 S. Halsted St.
Wednesday, Feb. 10
“We Been Doin’ It: Black Women in Social Movement.” Panel discussion on the role and impact of women in social justice movements. 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. UIC Student Center East, Room 603, 750 S. Halsted St.
Thursday, Feb. 11
“Color of Expression: A Night of Student Art in Honor of Black History Month.” Art exhibit featuring original works of art by students in the health professions. 5 – 7 p.m. UIC School of Public Health, Activity Room (SPHPI 160), 1603 W. Taylor St.
Friday, Feb. 12
Heritage Ball presented by the UIC Black Student Union. 5:30 – 10 p.m. UIC Student Center East, Illinois Room, 750 S. Halsted St.
Monday, Feb. 15
“Keepin’ It 100.” The Collegiate 100 hosts a visit day for prospective students to connect with the campus and learn more about college admissions and retention. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Check-in at UIC Visitors Center, Student Services Building, 1200 W. Harrison St.
Wednesday, Feb. 17
Black Tech Forum. Tech industry leaders discuss their career journeys and the trials and triumphs of research, manufacturing and marketing. 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. UIC Student Services Building, conference room C, 1200 W. Harrison St.
Jonathan Butler, graduate student at the University of Missouri
Thursday, Feb. 18
“Beyond the Headlines: The Hunger Strike at the University of Missouri.” Talk by Jonathan Butler, graduate student at the University of Missouri, whose hunger strike was at the center of a protest over acts of discrimination on the campus in Columbia, Missouri. 5:30 – 7 p.m. UIC Student Center East, Illinois Room, 750 S. Halsted St.
Monday, Feb. 22
“Looking for Moms Mabley: The Life and Times of a Comic Persona.” Talk by Cynthia Blair, UIC associate professor of African American studies and history. 4 – 6 p.m. UIC Institute for the Humanities, Stevenson Hall, lower level, 701 S. Morgan St.
Tuesday, Feb. 23
“White Scripts and Black Supermen: Black Masculinities in Comic Books.” Screening and discussion. 3 – 5 p.m. UIC Latino Cultural Center, Lecture Center B2, 803 S. Morgan St.
Thursday, Feb. 25
“Show Stoppers.” Student showcase of art, singing, dancing and spoken word. Art exhibit 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Talent showcase 6 – 8 p.m. UIC Student Center East, Illinois Room, 750 S. Halsted St.
Thursday, Feb. 25
Screening of excerpts from “Through a Lens Darkly: Black Photographers and the Emergence of a People” and Q&A with filmmaker Thomas Allen Harris. 12:30 – 2 p.m. Gallery 400, 400 S. Peoria St.
Thursday, Feb. 25
“Book of the Family Tree.” Lecture by filmmaker Thomas Allen Harris, who will discuss his project “Digital Diaspora Family Reunion” and explore issues of identity and representation with a focus on how African Americans have used the camera in the fight for civil rights. 4:30 – 6 p.m. Gallery 400, 400 S. Peoria St.
Monday, Feb. 29
Black History Makers Award Ceremony. 9th annual event honoring the contributions of UIC alumni, faculty, staff and students. 4 – 6 p.m. UIC Student Center East, East Terrace, 750 S. Halsted St.
