Black History Month Celebrations Kick off Feb. 3 at COD

The College of DuPage Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion presents “African Americans and the Vote,” a series of events to celebrate Black History Month in February at the Glen Ellyn campus, 425 Fawell Blvd.

Black History Month activities begin at 1 p.m., Monday, Feb. 3, with an opening ceremony to kick off a month of teaching and learning, exploring the rise of black elected and appointed officials at the local and national levels, campaigns for equal rights legislation and the role of blacks in traditional and alternative political parties. Selected student speakers, COD Chamber Singers and members of the Afrikan Dance & Music Institute will teach through artistic expression. Free lunch will be provided.

Additional events include the annual African American Read-In, the nation’s first and oldest event dedicated to diversity in literature. Guest readers are invited to share their personal stories or read selections from famous African American authors from

10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 5, in the Library, Room 3100.

The photo exhibit, “African Americans and The Vote,” will be on display at noon Monday, Feb. 10, in the Student Resource Center. The exhibit explores past and present day stories of African Americans’ right to vote.

The COD Black Student Alliance will host a meet and greet from 11:30 a.m. to

1 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 11, in the Student Services Center, Room 3245. Engage with students and support their work of academic, cultural awareness, civic involvement and professionalism. Listen to students share their ideas to help build a legacy for future black students at College of DuPage.

Historian, educator and community activist Dr. Frederick Douglas Dixon will explore the centennial of the Nineteenth Amendment and the culmination of the women’s suffrage movement from 1 to 2:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb.13, in the Health and Science Center, Room 1234.

In addition, students are invited to submit an essay, a story, a piece of art or music, a poem or any other form of expression that reflects African American and their right to vote. The top three submittals will be featured at the Black History Month closing ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 27. Submittals are due by Thursday, Feb. 20.

Other highlights include a screening of ‘Electoral Dysfunction’ on Thursday, Feb. 6; a ticketed ballet performance by Hiplet at the McAninch Arts Center on Saturday, Feb. 8 that combines classical pointe technique with hip-hop and urban dance styles; and a closing program featuring a live performance by Indika Reggae Band on Thursday,

Feb. 27 in the cafeteria.

View the full schedule of Black History Month events. For questions, contact David Swope, COD Manager of Student Diversity and Inclusion, at (630) 942-2136 or swoped28@cod.edu.