College of DuPage Celebrates Black History Month

College of DuPage Celebrates Black History Month with Month-Long Events Recognizing Black Health and Wellness

In celebration of Black History Month, College of DuPage invites students, staff, faculty and community members to examine, recognize and explore Black health and wellness through a number of exciting events and keynote speakers.

The month-long celebration includes presentations by student groups and community engagement leaders as well as documentary screenings aimed at teaching through artistic expression.

Each weekday during the month of February and into the first two weeks of March, the Black Health and Wellness Photo Exhibition will be on display in COD’s Student Resource Center. The display will feature a variety of images designed for viewers to explore and engage in images and captions chronicling the stories, struggles and accomplishments of the Black community in health and wellness.

Following is a sampling of Black History Month events:

• Enter the Black History Month Expressions Competition for a chance to be featured on the Student Diversity Equity and Inclusion website. Submissions are due March 11. Enter today
• Explore the history of African fashion and textiles from the 12th century to the 21st century presented virtually by COD Fashion Instructor Shannon Johnson from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1. Presented in partnership with the Bloomingdale Public Library. Registration required. Register
• Practice speaking openly and knowledgeably in the SpeakOut and SHIFT-created "Race, Power & Privilege" e-course from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8. This powerful experience is designed to help students tap into their imaginations to grow and thrive in a diverse campus setting.
• Learn more about the Black/African American experience with members of COD’s Black Student Alliance Club from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb 9., in the Student Service Center Atrium. Talk with BSA representatives about the clubs’ mission, goals and objectives for the spring semester.
• Participate in the Annual African American Read-In from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb 10, in the COD Library, second floor (pending conditions). Open to students, faculty, staff and community. Readers are invited to present their favorite selections from African American books, essays, music and poetry collections with a brief biological summary of the authors.

Remaining Black History Month events include live music, author presentations, film screenings and more.

Black History Month Activities

For questions, contact COD Center for Student Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager David Swope at swoped28@cod.edu or (630) 942-2565.