St. Bonaventure will host a number of events to celebrate Black History Month and the theme “And Still WE Rise: Expressions of Black Heritage & Identity.”

“This year’s Black History Month programs are a direct reflection of the larger conversations that we as a society need to continue to have,” said Parker Suddeth, coordinator of the Damietta Center for Multicultural Student Affairs at the university.

“The theme for this year, ‘And Still WE Rise: Expressions of Black Heritage & Identity,’ speaks directly to mission and programmatic objectives of the Damietta Center. As a Franciscan university whose deep roots are steeped in social justice and inclusion, we believe that these events will be meaningful and transformative,” he said.

Events:

Wednesday, Feb. 8
5 p.m., Dresser Auditorium
SGA Film Series to feature Season 3, Episode 12 “LEMONS,” of the Emmy-nominated TV show “Black-ish.” 

In this episode, tensions run high after the presidential election. A post-viewing conversation will be facilitated by Danette Brickman, Ph.D., associate professor of political science at St. Bonaventure.

Wednesday, Feb. 15
5 p.m., Robert R. Jones Board of Trustees Room, Doyle Hall
Panel Discussion “What Black Feminism Means in the 21st Century”

The panelists will include Monica L. Ridgeway, Ph.D., equity and inclusion coordinator at the Education Collaborative of Western New York; Kara Oliver, program specialist at the National Federation for Just Communities of Western New York; Donika Kelly, Ph.D., assistant professor of English at St. Bonaventure; and Tiffany M. Nyachae, lecturer and Ph.D. candidate at the University at Buffalo (pictured above).

Thursday, Feb. 16
11:30 a.m., Reilly Center Lobby

The Black Student Union will present Little Known Black History Facts. Stop by the table in the RC and enjoy some hot chocolate and cookies while learning about famous Black/African Americans.

Thursday, Feb. 23
6 p.m., Quick Center Loft

Poetry reading by Somali-American poet and teacher Ladan Osman and Dr. Donika Kelly. Osman’s poetry collection “The Kitchen Dweller’s Testimony” won the annual Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poets and she has received a number of fellowships. Kelly, who joined the St. Bonaventure faculty last fall, was named to the 2016 National Book Award longlist for poetry.

The Black History Month events are sponsored by the university’s Damietta Center for Multicultural Student Affairs.

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About the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, we believe in the goodness of every person and in the ability of every person to do extraordinary things.  St. Bonaventure University cultivates graduates who are confident and creative communicators, collaborative leaders and team members, and innovative problem solvers who are respectful of themselves, others, and the diverse world around them. Named the #6 best college value in the North by U.S. News and World Report, we are establishing pathways to internships, graduate schools and careers in the context of our renowned liberal arts tradition.