TU Celebrates Black History Month

Press release from Towson University:

By Towson University on February 3, 2021

College of Fine Arts and Communications' Innovator-in-residence Shodekeh Talifero
will partner with Albert S. Cook Library to host a special program that focuses on
the 250 years of African American Poetry. The event is one of many that celebrates
Black History Month. (File Photo)

One of the central tenets of Towson University’s mission is to build a diverse and
inclusive campus that celebrates the cultures of all its students.

In February, TU is proud to celebrate Black History Month with events and programs
designed to not only educate but also increase discussion around Black culture and
history.

The programming features events sponsored by the Center for Student Diversity, the College of Fine Arts & Communication (COFAC), the Office of Inclusion & Institutional Equity (OIIE) and several student clubs and organizations.

The month started off on February 3 with the virtual Social Justice Forum: Unpacking the Legacy of Martin L. King Jr.

Hosted by the Center for Student Diversity, this forum served as a conversation on
King's legacy is or isn’t present in our current social, political and cultural contexts.

Panelists for the event included Wilmon Christian III, director of PRISM and the National
Equity Network; Khalilah Harris, managing director for the Center for American Progress;
Keywuan Caulk, director for the Center for Social Justice Education and LGBT Communities
at Rutgets University; and Dominique White, director of Diversity and Inclusion of
TU's Student Government Association.

Moderated by TU's Danice Brown, associate professor of psychology, the forum featured
four panelists who have different perspectives on Dr. King's legacy and how it fits
into current day's context.

"Our four panelists all exhibited hope and conviction regarding the work that needs
to be done regarding anti-Black racism, racial injustice and Black liberation, even
as they discussed taking differing paths to such," Brown said about the forum. "I
enjoyed the conversations regarding the importance of 'casting a vision' for the
path forward to racial justice and the acknowledgment that that there is room anger,
love, support and accountability in this current movement.

"it was wonderful to hear all of the speakers discuss Dr. King’s belief in the resilience
of the Black community and continued willingness to fight for racial justice even
in the darkest of days," Brown added.

The panel was a kick-off to some great event that will be held over the coming months.
Here is a look at some highlighted events, sponsored by TU, that celebrate Black history.

Sankofa Conversations Feb. 10, starting at 4 p.m. | Virtual meeting through Zoom

Each month, the Center for Student Diversity hosts a conversation about issues that
impact communities representing the African Diaspora. This month’s conversation is
titled “From Selma to Stonewall.”

Did you really just say that?: Interrupting Microaggressions Feb. 11, starting at 5 p.m. | Virtual event, registration required

An interactive discussion led by Diverse Minds Peer Educators focused on recognizing
and challenging microaggressions. Participants learn strategies to confront microaggressions,
whether they are a target, bystander or offender. This workshop is open to all TU
students, faculty and staff.

What’s Going On: Life, Love and Social Justice Feb. 17, starting at 5:30 p.m. | Online, social workshop

Inspired by the music of Marvin Gaye, COFAC professor Vincent Thomas leads an interactive
social dance workshop to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. All are welcome.

Lift Every Voice – Celebrating 250 years of African American Poetry

The Albert S. Cook Library presents two different events in February that looks at
the history and style of African-American Poetry.

• Black Poetry Inspires with Shodekeh Feb. 18, starting at 6 p.m. | Virtual event, registration requiredShodekeh Talifero—beatboxer, vocal percussionist, breath artist and innovator-in-residence
  in the College of Fine Arts & Communication—will interpret Langston Hughes' "The Negro
  Speaks of Rivers" through breath art. An interdisciplinary panel discussion will follow
  with Talifero; multimedia artist, educator and organizer Ada Pinkston, and Donn Worgs,
  professor of political science and program director of the African American studies
  minor.
• Starting the Conversation with Kondwani Fidel Feb. 24, starting at 6 p.m. | Virtual event, registration required Kondwani Fidel will dig into the tradition of African American poetry, share his own
  poetry and shed light on how this tradition can help us understand racism and take
  anti-racist action.The Center for Student Diversity will be giving away 10 copies of “The Anti-Racist:
  How to Start the Conversation and Take Action,” Fidel's new book, at the virtual event,
  by selecting attendees and mailing them their copy.Fidel is the author of “Hummingbirds in the Trenches” (2018), “Raw Wounds” (2017)
  and “The Anti-Racist: How to Start the Conversation and Take Action” (2020). His work
  has been praised by literary and civil rights giants Ibram X. Kendi, Eve L. Ewing
  and DeRay McKesson.

Virtual Movie Screening and Q&A: “ParTy Boi: Black Diamonds In Ice Castles”March 3, starting at 7 p.m. | Virtual event, registration required

Towson University’s Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drug Abuse Prevention Center—in collaboration with the Counseling Center, the Center for Student Diversity, and Diverse Minds Peer Education—is hosting a virtual screening of the documentary “ParTy Boi: Black Diamonds in Ice
Castles.”

The film is an award-winning documentary that journeys into the world of crystal meth
addiction within Black and brown LGBTQ+ communities. Following the documentary screening,
there will be a Q&A with the film's creator and director, Michael Rice.

2021 Black Student Leadership Conference April 15-17 | Virtual event, registration required

This year’s theme is Power, Privilege and Persistence: Level Up! Attendees will gain
knowledge, tools and transferable skills to assist as they navigate their academic,
professional and personal lives. Breakout sessions focus on the following:

• Acknowledging and navigating the power dynamics that exist to impede or assist development;
• Activating and amplifying the pride in our selves, community and culture;
• Building resiliency and accessing the resources to achieve success.

Learn More

Anti-Racism Resources

OIIE will continue to host, collaborate on and support a variety of opportunities
for support, community, healing, reflection, education and action for the TU community.
The first step in promoting necessary change is acknowledging the discrepancies that
are the basis for many of our systems as our society is not inherently equitable.
We call on the TU community to take an active role in this journey of learning, growth
and change. Check out the above link to stay up to date on events being offered by
OIIE.

This press release was produced by Towson University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.