Black History Month Calendar of Events
Black History Month (BHM) Kick-Off
Date: February 1, 2023
Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Student Union Building 320, Intercultural and Diversity Affairs (IDA) Center
Join the Black History Month Committee for dessert and great company as we kick off the 2023 Black History Month ( BHM) events.
SPARE Spring Concert
Date: February 2, 2023
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Student Union Building, 2nd Floor Ballroom
Doors open at 6pm, MUST HAVE EVENT PASS
BHM Movie Night Series
Student Union Building, 2nd Floor, Movie Theater
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (PG-13) February 2nd and 3rd ; 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. February 4th; 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Queen Ramonda, Shuri, M’Baku, Okoye and the Dora Milaje fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death. As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must band together with the help of War Dog Nakia and Everett Ross and forge a new path for the kingdom of Wakanda.Woman King (PG-13) February 16th and 17th; 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. February 18th; 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
The Woman King is the remarkable story of the Agojie, the all-female unit of warriors who protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s with skills and a fierceness unlike anything the world has ever seen. Inspired by true events, The Woman King follows the emotionally epic journey of General Nanisca (Oscar®-winner Viola Davis) as she inspires the King to take on the enemies determined to violate their honor and destroy their way of life. Some things are worth fighting for…
Unity Luncheon featuring JB Smiley Jr.
Date: February 8, 2023
Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Student Union Building, 2nd Floor Ballroom
Join us for our 27th Annual Unity Luncheon. Established in 1996, the Unity Luncheon pays homage to “unsung heroes” in the community. JB Smiley Jr. is an attorney from Memphis. TN that has worked within the community to influence positive change.
This is a ticketed event, purchase REQUIRED prior to event.
Dr. Imani Perry; "South to America"
Date: February 9, 2023
Time: 11:20 am – 12:20 pm
Location: Student Union Building, 2nd Floor Ballroom
Imani is an American interdisciplinary scholar of race, law, literature, and African-American culture. She is currently the Hughes-Rogers Professor of African American Studies at Princeton University and a columnist for The Atlantic. Autographed copies of Dr. Perry’s book “South to America” will be for sale during the lecture.
Sponsors: College of Media and Entertainment, Tom T Hall Writers Series, and John Seigenthaler Chair of Excellence in First Amendment Studies
Learning from Diversity: A Forum of Business Leaders and Scholars
Date: February 9, 2023
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Redstone Federal Credit Union (Stones River Room), 2402 Medical Center Pkwy, Murfreesboro,
TN 37129
Dr. Ming Wang's Cosmopolitan Initiative Lecture, in partnership with the PERI at MTSU, features a panel discussion between five business leaders and scholars speaking on ways to actively fight against racial prejudice and discrimination. While sharing their personal experiences with racism, each panelist explores actionable ways to reach a common ground. Click here for more details.
Color the Runway Fashion Show
Date: February 10, 2023
Time: 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Location: Student UNion, 2nd Floor Ballroom
Black MT Panel
Date: February 13, 2023
Time: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Location: BAS State Farm Room
A panel discussion to constructively analyze and discuss where we have been as a community, where we are now, and how we can organize to create a better sense of community and space on campus.
Africa Nashville
Date: February 15, 2023
Time: 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Tom Jackson Building
The Yeli Ensemble is comprised of world class musicians and dancers from West Africa. These artists will perform and discuss the history and meaning of dance and music in African culture.
Gamma Iota Sigma; Omega Chapter presents: Taneka Robertson
Date: February 16, 2023
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 a.m.
Location: Tom Jackson Building
MTSU Alumni passionate about Diversity Equity and Inclusion with a powerful story of her journey from student to professional: Taneka Robertson Senior HR Corporate Recruiter at Trexis Insurance Manager with over 15 years of experience specializing in establishing productive business relationships and resolving critical human capital business issues.
After her presentation, she will offer onsite interviews for interested candidates for Bookkeeping, Paid Internships Claims Adjuster, Litigation Specialist & Territory Sales Manager…
Free Lunch provided by: WSiADiversity Foundation
Black Elegance Gala
Date: February 17, 2023
Time: 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Location: Student Union Building, 2nd Floor Ballroom
Join us for a night of elegance, as you come out dressed in formal wear for a night of fun, music, and dancing. Come dressed you best for a night of elegance as we celebrate a night to remember.
John Pleas Award Ceremony
Date: February 21, 2023
Time: 4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Location: Sam Ingram Building, MT Center
This award is presented annually to an African American faculty member who has demonstrated excellence in teaching, research, and service. The award was established in 1997 to honor Dr. John Pleas, MTSU emeritus of Psychology.
Dr. Tameka Ellington Lecture
Date: February 21, 2023
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Location: College of Education, Room 160
Dr. Ellington is a motivational speaker, educator/scholar, professional development strategist, and 1st generation student advocate. She will conduct a lecture for faculty and staff, “; F.I.R.E for Educators: The Importance of Students’ Trust”.
Can I Trust You? Finding the Voice of Your Allies
Date: February 22, 2023
Time: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: Academic Classroom Building, 104
In collaboration with Motlow, Northeast State, and ETSU, we will have a hybrid panel discussion on the importance of allyship and accountability. This panel will discuss what it means to be an ally and how to listen to minoritized individuals on the journey through allyship.
Showtime at the Apollo
Date: February 23, 2023
Time: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Location: Tucker Theater
Join us for a night of talented acts and entertainment as we re-create the hit TV show, “Showtime at the Apollo”!
"State of the African American Union" Address with Dr. Cornel West
Date: February 24, 2023
Time: 7 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.
Location: James Union Building, Tennessee Room
Dr. Cornel West, professor emeritus at Princeton University, is best known for his work as a philosopher, activist, and author, leading a nuanced discussion on if “Does race still matter?”. He has authored books such as, “Race Matters” and Democracy Matters”.
Sponsors: Distinguished Lecture, History Department, Africana Studies, Center for History Preservation, Gore Center, Intercultural and Diversity Affairs, College of Liberal Arts, and Philosophy & Religious Studies
BHM Keynote Speaker: Ilyasah Shabazz
Date: February 27, 2023
Time: 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Location:Student Union Building; 2nd Floor Ballroom
The annual Black History Month keynote speaker is Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter to the late Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz. She is the author of several books highlighting the powerful journeys of both her mother and father. The keynote event provides a chance to hear informed and empowering words from Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter of the late Malcolm X; in addition to the opportunity for a photo and book signing.
Movie Screening - Lowndes County & The Road to Black Power
Date: February 28, 2023
Time: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Location: Acadmic Classroom Building (ACB) Rm. 104
A movie screening and discussion on the film, Lowndes County & The Road to Black Power with Mr. Kelley, VP of Participant (A Film and TV Production company) and actors in attendance.
Sponsored by the MTSU Department of Social Work
