A-State Plans 2019 Black History Month Observance, Activities
JONESBORO – Arkansas State University's Black History Month Committee will host the kickoff event for the annual Black History Month observance Monday, Feb. 4, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the open court area of the Carl R. Reng Student Union.
Participants will learn about this year’s theme, "Hidden Figures: Our Stories," and get an overview of upcoming activities for the month.
At the same time, the Black Student Association will mark its 50th anniversary of involvement and contributions on the A-State campus. Cake and punch will be served. During the week of Feb. 18-23, the Black Student Association will host several events in celebration of the anniversary.
The Strong-Turner Chapter of the A-State Alumni Association, the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Eta Upsilon chapter, will host the annual Soul Food Dinner on Friday, Feb. 8, starting at 6 p.m. in the Military Science Building, 1921 Aggie Road.
The first Black History Month Living Legends Breakfast, on Saturday, Feb. 9, will honor Arkansas natives who have excelled in their careers, enriched their communities, and inspired the younger generation to greatness. The breakfast starts at 9 a.m. at First National Bank Arena.
Other special Black History Month events scheduled in February include:
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Eta Upsilon and Kappa Nu Omega chapters are hosting a "Pink Goes Red" collaborative workout Feb. 1, in support of heart health for black women and women across the globe, at the Jonesboro Kindergarten Center. The "Mixed Fit & Zumba" class starts at 6 p.m.
- Arkansas State University Museum will observe Black History Month by hosting two events. On Tuesday, Feb. 5, Dr. Cherisse Jones-Branch and Dr. Gary Edwards will discuss their book, "Arkansas Women: Their Lives and Times," from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. On Tuesday, Feb. 12, the Museum will show the PBS documentary, "Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise," starting at 3 p.m.
- The Black Student Association will host the "Living Black History Museum" Wednesday, Feb. 13. Students, faculty and staff will present representations of African American icons, with an emphasis on local hidden figures who have contributed to African American culture, especially at A-State. Hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Centennial Hall of the Reng Student Union.
- The Minority Business Showcase, sponsored by KLEK-FM, will allow area business owners to highlight and share their products and services with others in the community and surrounding areas on Saturday, Feb. 16, from 12 noon to 6 p.m. Minorities, including women, are encouraged to share their business through the showcase.
- Black Student Association Week begins with a kick-off event on Monday, Feb. 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the open court area of the Reng Student Union. During the week, evening activities in the Student Union starting at 7 p.m. include the movie "The Hate U Give" Monday, Feb. 18, in the auditorium; Family Feud on Tuesday, Feb. 19, in the Black River Room; Uplifting Forum on Wednesday, Feb. 20, in the Mockingbird Room; and Talent Show on Thursday, Feb. 21, in the auditorium.
The BSA cookout will start at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, in the Pavilion; and the BSA 50th year gala celebration, in formal attire, Saturday, Feb. 23, at 7 p.m. in Centennial Hall. - The Black Professionals Network of Jonesboro will host the fifth annual Black History Quiz Bowl Saturday, Feb. 23, at 12 noon in the Student Union auditorium.
- The Natural Hair Forum, presented by Sister II Sister mentoring organization, will start at 6 p.m. in Centennial Hall, Monday, Feb. 25.
- Evolve, with Multicultural Affairs, Ejji Studios, and the Black Student Association presenting art, hair, music, fashion and entertainment from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s, wraps up the month of celebration Thursday, Feb. 28, starting at 7 p.m. in Centennial Hall.
For more information about Black History Month, one may consult the Black History Month website, AState.edu/BHM, or contact the Multicultural Center, Room 3003 of the Reng Student Union, (870) 680-4052 or astatemc@AState.edu.
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