WESTFIELD – Westfield State University will celebrate Black History Month by hosting a month-long celebration of events ranging from hip-hop performances, panel discussions, and interactive experiences.
Since 1974, Westfield State has held special events during the month of February dedicated to informing students, faculty, and staff as well as the community about the importance of black history, culture, and traditions. Black History Month is organized by a committee of faculty, staff, students, and sponsored by the Westfield State University Department of Diversity/Inclusion & Student Activities (DISA).
New this year, DISA and the committee have decided to rename the university’s February celebrations and refer to the month as Black Her/History Month to stress the importance of women. Events reflect this year’s theme, “The Revolution will not be televised,” a nod to the poem and song written by Gil Scott-Heron, American poet, musician, and author.
Westfield State Director of Diversity/Inclusion and Student Affairs Lizette Rivera said “Westfield State strives to provide students a holistic learning experience which includes learning about their history and culture.”
“Black history is important for college campuses because it’s a part of all of our lives,” Ashiah Richeme, chairperson of the Black History Month Planning Committee said. “One of the purposes of Black History Month is to highlight history that hasn’t been defined as necessary.”
Richeme said community members are welcome to attend all Black Her/History Month events on campus.
“Westfield State is a part of many communities, and all of these programs are great learning moments and conversation starters for community members,” Richeme said. “The goal is to plant a seed of enlightenment allowing a person blossom and plant seeds of knowledge in others.”
Westfield State Black Her/History Month Events:
Tuesday, February 2, 7 p.m. – “A Tale of Two Panthers” Join Residence Directors Nicholas Cream and Ashiah Richeme as they explain the history of the Black Panther Party, a black nationalist and socialist organization, and the struggle for black liberation. The event will be held in the Owl’s Nest.
Wednesday, February 3, 4 p.m. – “Pop, Lock, and Drop It” Join the Westfield State University Multicultural Student Association (MSA) as they explore, discuss, and dispel stereotypes faced by African American students. The event will be held in Scanlon Banquet Hall C.
Thursday, February 4, 4 p.m. – “Film Screening: A Prince Among Slaves” Enjoying a screening of “Prince Among Slaves” which recounts the true story of an African Muslim prince who was captured and sold into slavery. The event will be held in the Owl’s Nest and a discussion will follow the screening.
Monday, February 8, 6:30 p.m. – “The Paytons of Westfield: Black Entrepreneurship and the Founding of Harlem” Dr. Robert Brown, Professor Emeritus of History, discusses the life of Philip Payton Sr., an ex-slave from North Carolina who moved to Westfield and became a successful businessman. This event will be held in the Owl’s Nest.
Tuesday, February 9, 4-6:30 p.m. – “Networking Night and The Ten Little Nigger Girls” Join us for a night of networking with students and community members and visit the Westfield State University Arno Maris Art Gallery to view the exhibit “Ten Little Nigger Girls”. Come meet the artist Imo Imeh, assistant professor of art. The Arno Maris Art Gallery is located on the second floor of the Ely Campus Center.
Wednesday, February 10, 2 p.m. – “Pop, Lock, and Drop It” Join the WSU Multicultural Student Association (MSA) for round two as they discuss and dispel stereotypes faced by African American students. The event will be held in University Hall.
Thursday, February 11, 7 p.m. – “LGBTQ(POC) Film Shorts” LGBTQIA community leaders Nelson Roman, Holyoke City Councilman, and Pastor Charles L.A. Watterson will host an evening of LGBT short films and panel discussions. Both presenters will speak about being OUT black and Latino leaders in the local communities. The event will be held in the Owl’s Nest.
Tuesday, February 16, 8 p.m. – “Dream Junkies” The Dream Junkies, a hip-hop collective from Southern California, will perform in the Owl’s Nest.
Wednesday, February 17, 4 p.m. – “We the Women” Student Naomi Bledsoe will explore the Civil Rights Movement through the lens of black women, centering on Coretta Scott King and Angela Davis. The event will be held in New Hall.
Thursday, February 18, 8 p.m. – “Karaoke: A Night at the Apollo” All students are invited to join in a night of 90’s and 00’s hip hop and R&B karaoke at the Owl’s Nest.
Monday, February 22, 8 p.m. – “Creed” Enjoying a screening of the award-winning film “Creed,” which follows Adonis Johnson Creed, son of former heavyweight champion Apollo Creed, as he attempts to follow in his father’s footsteps. The event will be held in the Owl’s Nest with a discussion to follow.
Tuesday, February 23, 8 p.m. – “We Honor/ Tribute and Honor” An open mic night that pays homage to black artists through individual interpretation. The event will be held at the Owl’s Nest.
Wednesday, February 24, 4 p.m. – “Black Male Identity” Westfield State men of color faculty and staff will host a panel discussion on the state of black men in the Unites States. The event will be held in New Hall.
Monday, February 29, 6 p.m. – “Black Girls Rock” Westfield State will hold its second annual Black Girls Rock award ceremony to celebrate and acknowledge women of color who are actively engaging with their community. The event will be held in Scanlon Living Room.
All of the above events are free and open to the public. For more information about Black History Month events, please visit http://www.westfield.ma.edu/offices/diversity-inclusion-and-student-activities or contact Lizette Rivera at (413) 572-5442.
