Waubonsee Community College has planned a series of events to honor Black History Month.
All events are open to the public.
“Black STEM Gems” is a month-long scavenger hunt taking place on all four Waubonsee campuses through March 1. Participants are encouraged to go on an adventure around the Waubonsee campus to learn about outstanding black professionals who have made a difference in science, technology, engineering and math, organizers said.
The university will hold Music Mondays every Monday throughout February at the Sugar Grove Campus Student Center Cafe to celebrate the musical contributions of African-Americans.
In celebration of Black History Month, the West Aurora Gospel Choir will sing the Black National Anthem before the men’s and women’s basketball games on February 11 on the Sugar Grove campus. Attendees will receive a red Waubonsee jersey (while supplies last) to show their Waubonsee pride at these games, school officials said.
A Student Engagement Fair will be held from 10 am to 12:30 pm on February 14 at the Sugar Grove campus. Student groups will share information on how to participate. In celebration of Black History Month, MaMaw’s Kitchen will be giving out free soul food samples while supplies last. The Waubonsee Jazz Club will perform a mix of music by various black jazz artists during the event, according to university officials.
“The Rise and Evolution of Blues Music in American Culture” is the title of a discussion scheduled for February 16 at 12:30 p.m. on the Sugar Grove campus that explores the history and origin of blues music. in United States. Musician and oral historian Fruteland Jackson will talk about the origin of the blues and how it became the roots of rock and roll. There will also be a live performance by Jackson.
“Real Talk About Black Mental Health” will be a virtual conference led by Dr. Tonya Davis. The discussion will address the disparities that exist for blacks with respect to mental health and is intended to be empowering to help close the gaps, while also providing tools related to mental health, officials said. The presentation will be offered via Zoom from 6-7pm on February 28.
The Black History Month Party, in collaboration with Waubonsee’s Transforming and Inspiring Undergraduate Men Pursuing Higher Education program, will be held from 11 am to 1 pm on March 1 at the Sugar Grove campus. The event aims to encourage students and the community to continue learning and celebrating African-American history every day, with a program filled with music, giveaways and free soul food while supplies last, organizers said.
“Black History Month celebrations are often viewed in a long-term historical context, and sometimes actual everyday black culture is overlooked,” said Marleigha Evans, Senior Coordinator of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Waubonsee. . “However, this year at Waubonsee, we are excited to offer a Black History Bash that will celebrate some of the best parts of Black culture, including music, dance, togetherness and, of course, food. We honor our history by living our best lives in the present.”
For more information on the programs, visit waubonsee.edu/BlackHistoryMonth.
