Black History Month observances, celebrations and events in full swing at Maryville College

As an institution dedicated to diversity and broadening the cultural experiences of its students, Maryville College will host a number of events related to Black History Month. Many of them are organized by the College’s Black Student Alliance (BSA), as well as faculty and staff members who work year-round to honor the contributions of minority populations from across the spectrum.       

The following events will take place through the end of the month. Please note that some events are open to students only:

Throughout February

Art on display in the Blackberry Farm Gallery

On display through February in the Blackberry Farm Gallery at the Clayton Center for the Arts is “Phylogeny of the Phoenix,” an exhibit by father-and-son artists Alan and Xavier Jones. Their work as African American men uses spiritual and mythological elements to “accentuate the great theological themes of rebirth, regeneration and resurrection glory,” according to the artists’ statement. A reception for the two artists will be held at 6 p.m., Feb. 25.

Throughout February

Center for Diversity and Inclusion “Story Time” events

The Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) is holding “CDI Story Time” dates throughout the month of February as a way to “spark conversations about identity, diversity, inclusion and justice through children’s literature,” especially as they relate to Black History Month. The sessions take place in person and over Zoom, and so far have featured books such as “Hair Like Mine,” “Skin Like Mine” and “The ABCs of Black History.” Caldecott Medal winner “The Undefeated,” by Kwame Alexander, is among the works that will be read later this month.

Wednesday, Feb. 9: Poetry Night

6 p.m., Center for Campus Ministry

The BSA will hold a student-only poetry slam.

Friday, Feb. 11: Karaoke Night

5 p.m., in front of Thaw Hall

The BSA will hold a student-only karaoke night in front of Thaw Hall on the MC campus.

Friday, Feb. 18: Movie Night

7 p.m., Lambert Recital Hall

The BSA invites students to join together for a Black History Month movie night (film TBA) in the Lambert Recital Hall of the Clayton Center for the Arts.

Friday, Feb. 25: Apollo Night

7 p.m., Lambert Recital Hall

Also taking place in the Lambert Recital Hall: “Apollo Night,” modeled after the original “Showtime at the Apollo” variety show that debuted in 1987, broadcast live from the Apollo Theatre in New York’s Harlem neighborhood. The show will feature music and performances by members of the campus community competing for cash prizes.

Throughout February

Black History Month resources at Lamar Memorial Library

Librarians at the Lamar Memorial Library have put together a comprehensive guide to give students a “taste of the films, documentaries, autobiographies, novels and scholarship materials available that share African American experiences and culture and explore the challenges of racism and discrimination. The library is located in MC’s Thaw Hall, and the complete list of resources can be found here: https://library.maryvillecollege.edu/blackhistorymonth  

For more information on any Black History Month event, email Larry Ervin, director of the MC Center for Diversity and Inclusion, at larry.ervin@maryvillecollege.edu.

Maryville College is a nationally-ranked institution of higher learning and one of America’s oldest colleges. For more than 200 years we’ve educated students to be giving citizens and gifted leaders, to study everything, so that they are prepared for anything — to address any problem, engage with any audience and launch successful careers right away. Located in Maryville, Tennessee, between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the city of Knoxville, Maryville College offers nearly 1,200  students from around the world both the beauty of a rural setting and the advantages of an urban center, as well as more than 60 majors, seven pre-professional programs and career preparation from their first day on campus to their last. Today, our 10,000 alumni are living life strong of mind and brave of heart and are prepared, in the words of our Presbyterian founder, to “do good on the largest possible scale.”