Black History Month observances at Maryville College, February 2023
Jan. 26, 2023
Maryville College will host a variety of events in observance and celebration of Black History Month. This year, most of the events will be hosted by the Black Student Alliance (BSA) and the Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (CDEI). Please note that some events are only open to students.
February 1: X-Night Poetry Slam
5 p.m., Center for Campus Ministry
BSA is hosting a poetry slam in honor of the late W. Xavier Sales ’17. Sales was a Maryville College senior who died unexpectedly on May 8, 2017. According to Alexis Black ’18, resident director and coordinator of student conduct, Sales exemplified the Maryville College calling to “do good on the largest possible scale.” As Sales was passionate about helping facilitate challenging conversations and left an everlasting impact on the MC community, organizers renamed the poetry night in his honor in 2018. Through this event, the College continues to honor Sales’ legacy and keep his memory alive. This event is open to students and the community.
February 8: Hair Stories Workshop
7 p.m., Bartlett Hall, Room 101
This facilitated workshop, organized through the CDEI, will help participants explore their own hair histories and understand more about the privilege and oppression that exists around characteristics as natural as hair. This event is open to students only.
February 10: BSA Film Night
6 p.m., Lawson Auditorium, Fayerweather Hall
BSA invites students and the community to gather for Friday fun and watch the 2016 comedy “Central Intelligence” starring Kevin Hart and Dwayne Johnson.
February 15: Karaoke Night
6 p.m., the steps of Thaw Hall (rain location: Lawson Auditorium)
BSA, in collaboration with the Latino Student Alliance (LSA), is hosting a karaoke night specifically highlighting musicians of color. This event is open to both students and the community.
February 17: Black History Slam
7 p.m., Center for Campus Ministry
The CDEI hosts an event for people to come and share their own or others’ written word about Black History Month and the lived experiences of Black and African American people and students, specifically. This event is open to students only.
February 22: Movie Night
7 p.m., Lawson Auditorium, Fayerweather Hall
The CDEI invites students to watch the 2022 critically acclaimed historical drama “Till” that tells the story of Mamie Till-Mobley’s pursuit of justice for her 14-year-old son, Emmett Till, who was brutally lynched in 1955 in Mississippi. Viewers will have an opportunity for discussion after the movie. This event is open to students only.
February 24: Apollo Night Talent Show
6 p.m., Lambert Recital Hall, Clayton Center for the Arts
Hosted by BSA, the Apollo Night Talent Show is a nod to Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater, which has played a major role in Black culture since the 1900s. The organizers of the talent show are offering cash prizes for the top three performances. For students interested in participating, they must sign up ahead of time. The event is open to both students and the community.
Displays add to month’s observances
Throughout February, the Lamar Memorial Library will have a physical display of books related to Black History, and a resource guide available online on the library’s website.
Also, in the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, there will be a physical display in honor of the month. Katelynn Adams, resident director and coordinator for access and inclusion, explained that the display “means more than just standing in solidarity with Black people and other people of color. It shouts out the true narrative of the fight and the current responsibility all must have for the collective freedom of humanity in today’s society.”
For more information on any Black History Month event, email Aja Rodriguez, director of the MC Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, at aja.rodriguez@maryvillecollege.edu.