Black History Month 2023
February is dedicated as Black History Month, honoring the triumphs and struggles of African Americans throughout U.S. history, including the civil rights movement and their artistic, cultural, and political achievements. This year's theme for Black History Month, "Black Resistance", takes a look at how African Americans have fought repression from America's earliest days. From escaping the plantation, to the rise out of poverty and the struggle for equal housing and education to the struggle for voting rights, the resistance lives on even into the 21st century.
– Association for the Study of African American Life and History
Sports and Race with Dr. Pedro dos Santos: Timberwolves v. Warriors ─ Johnnie Development Institute
Date: Feb. 1st Location: Target Center Time: 5 PM
Join Dr. Pedro dos Santos and the Johnnie Development Institute (JDI) for the Minnesota Timberwolves v. Golden State Warriors on February 1st! On the way to the game, Dr. dos Santos will present on the intersection of race and sports. Students attending will be guided through peer conversations after the presentation.
Versa-Style Dance Company ─ Fine Arts Programming
Date: February 4th Location: Escher Auditorium, CSB Time: 7:30 PM
Full of energy, inspiration and improvisation, Versa-Style celebrates the essence and power of hip-hop – showcasing popping, locking, boogaloo, house, and Afro-Latin styles such as salsa, merengue, and cumbia. This performance features their newest work, FREE-Mind FREE-Style, exploring the limitless possibilities of improvisational street dance. Each infectious performance is love, positivity and knowledge shared through the medium of hip-hop dance. For over 15 years, Versa-Style has served as cultural ambassadors, traveling, teaching, and spreading their love of hip-hop culture in places such as Israel, India, France, Italy, and Columbia.
History of Race & Racism at CSB+SJU ─ Johnnie Development Institute
Date: Thursday, February 9 Location: Pellegrene Auditorium, SJU Time: 7:00-8:00 PM
On Thursday, February 9 the Johnnie Development Institute and the History Department are hosting an event about the history of race and racism at CSB+SJU. Dr. Brittany Merritt Nash will lead a presentation to educate and raise awareness about touchpoints in this history and how students organized resistance throughout the years. Following this, the JDI will screen an episode of the show Grown-ish which portrays college students responding to moments of racial oppression. Discussion about what we can do to improve on our campus will follow.
Soco Slam ─ Archipelago Student Association
Date: Friday, February 10th Location: Multicultural Center, CSB Time: 4:30-6:30 PM
Join Archipelago Student Association for on Friday, February 10th for their spring kickoff Soca Slam! During the event students can participate in a dominoes tournament for prizes, enjoy hot chocolate and fresh cookies, and hangout with other Bennies and Johnnies while enjoying Soca music. Interested in getting involved in ACA? ACA Student leaders will also be in attendance to talk about Archipelago Student Association, the upcoming Gala, and how to get involved.
Shades of Melanin Gala ─ Black Student Union
Date: Saturday, February 18th Location: Upper Gorecki, CSB Time: 5:30PM
The Black Student Union’s inaugural Shades of Melanin Gala is a time for all to come together and not only celebrate the success of the BSU but celebrate the beautiful diversity of the African diaspora. BSU’s theme "Living our Lives like it's Golden" serves as an important form of resistance against hate, tyranny and bigotry located in places/spaces that are threatened by Black excellence. Advance registration is required: 2023 Shades of Melanin Gala Individual RSVP or 2023 Shades of Melanin Gala Table Request. Please review the RSVP form for attire and event information.
The 2023 Shades of Melanin Mister, Miss, and Mx. Excellence Award Nomination recognizes a Bennie and Johnnie who have exuded Black excellence through leadership, service, and academic achievement. They are the embodiment of Excellence at these institutions. Nominations are currently open: https://www.csbsju.edu/forms/3EYAZPPU32
Mckeown Center Community Dinner with Mateo Mackbee from Krewe ─ Johnnie Development Institute
Date: Sunday, February 19th Location: McKeown Center, SJU
Mateo Mackbee, head chef and owner of Krewe Restaurant, will join the Flynntown Community Dinner this Sunday, Feb. 19 for a Black History Month event. From 5:30 – 6:00 PM, Mateo will discuss his creole heritage, the history of soul food, and the intricacies of jambalaya—the main course of this week’s meal. At 6:00 PM after his presentation, participants will dine on rice and jambalaya (vegetarian options available) crafted with Mateo’s own recipe and tutelage. As always, Br. Paul Richards will also provide fresh St. John’s bread. While normally limited to students who live in Flynntown, dinner on the 19th is open to all students from both CSB and SJU.
BHM Keynote Lecture: Dr. Crystal Moten ─ CSB+SJU History Department
Date: Monday, February 20rd Location: Upper Gorecki, CSB Time: 7 PM
“It is impossible to understand the United States today without learning African American history, so her work demonstrates how historians reach public audiences with stories of Black achievement, persistence and celebration.” Dr. Shannon Smith, associate professor of history at CSB and SJU. Dr. Crystal Moten, Curator of Collections and Exhibitions at the Obama Presidential Center, Black Feminist Historian, and author will deliver the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University Black History Month keynote on February 20th at 7p.m in Upper Gorecki at the College of Saint Benedict. Her presentation, “Continually Working: Black Women's Economic Activism in Postwar Milwaukee” focuses on the intersection of race, class, and gender to uncover the hidden histories of Black people in the Midwest and is the groundwork for her forthcoming book of the same name. This event is made possible by the CSB+SJU History Department in partnership with Multicultural Student Services (MSS).
Dr. Crystal M Moten is curator of African American history in the Division of Work and Industry. A south side of Chicago native, she has taught at small liberal arts colleges on the east coast and in the upper Midwest. Her research interests include the intersectional connections between African American labor, business, and civil rights history with emphasis on post-world war II Black freedom movements in the urban Midwest. Her research interest include 20th Century United States and Women’s/Gender History with a specialization in African American Women’s History.
Lift Every Voice: Student Showcase ─ Cultural Affairs Board
Date: Friday, February 24th Location: Multicultural Center Time: 7 PM
Student are encouraged to exhibit art, music, dance, sing, or recite poetry and essays that empower them to lift their voice.