Maryville College announces events to commemorate Black History Month 2024
Feb. 1, 2024
As part of the annual observance of Black History Month, a variety of events and activities will take place at Maryville College, sponsored by the Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Black Student Alliance. Please note that some events are open only to students.
Feb. 6: “I Am Black AND …” tabling event
12:30-1:30 p.m., Pearsons Hall lobby
Sponsored by the CDEI, the event will ask students of color to finish the statement — “I am Black and …” — with the unique traits they also claim as part of their identities. Photos will be taken for both social media and for use later as part of a larger art project. Open to students only.
Feb. 9: X Night Poetry Slam
5-7 p.m., Center for Campus Ministry (CCM)
A poetry slam held in memory of the late Warren Xavier Sales ’17, the evening invites participants to “bring your own words or those of your favorite artist to read aloud and honor the memory and enduring strength and empowerment of Sales,” an MC senior who died unexpectedly on May 8, 2017. Still remembered by peers, faculty members and alumni as an exemplification of the MC calling to “do good on the largest possible scale,” he was passionate about helping facilitate challenging conversations, and the poetry night was renamed in his memory in 2018. This event is free and open to students and the community.
Feb. 13: Black Mental Health Yoga
7 p.m., CCM
Given the findings that college students of color represent a population with greater levels of unmet mental health needs relative to White students, “gentle” yoga and meditation sessions will be offered to relieve stress and increase awareness of the need for self-care. Presented by the CDEI and open to students only.
Feb. 16: Karaoke
5-7 p.m., Lawson Auditorium, Fayerweather Hall
The BSA will host a karaoke night specifically highlighting musicians of color. This event is open to both students and the community of all skill levels.
Feb. 21: Movie Night
6 p.m., Davis Hall front lobby
A student-only event in which snacks will be offered to those who gather to select and watch a film that celebrates Black/African-American culture and history. Sponsored by the BSA.
Feb. 23: Black Scots Lives Matter Sign Reveal
2-3 p.m., Bartlett Hall Atrium
The CDEI team will be taking pictures throughout the week to create a large art project illustrating “Black Scots Lives Matter.” The piece will then hang in the Bartlet Atrium as a reminder that Black History is more than a month and is intricately interwoven with national, state and MC history. Open to students only.
Feb. 28: Apollo Night Talent Show
6- 8 p.m., Lawson Auditorium, Fayerweather Hall
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 prizes for the top performances. The event is open to both students and the community.
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.