Black History Month events planned throughout February

Central Washington University is celebrating Black History Month with a full schedule of events, and the entire campus community is invited to join in the festivities.

Throughout the month of February, the Diversity and Equity Center (DEC) is partnering with departments across campus to present music, movies, dancing, speaking engagements, and more. A kickoff luncheon took place Tuesday in Black Hall, and activities will continue Friday and over the next three weeks.

Among the highlights are a visit from former Seattle Seahawk Shaquem Griffin, the NFL’s first one-handed player, who will talk about his journey from “Pain to Purpose” on Thursday, February 13, in the SURC Ballroom.

The Crimson and Black Ball is scheduled for Saturday, February 15, while the Taste of Soul dinner is planned Thursday, February 27, in partnership with CWU Dining Services. The menu for the traditional soul food-style meal will feature favorites like chicken, ribs, macaroni and cheese, black eyed peas, collard greens, and sweet potato pie.

Also on February 27, Dr. Charlita Shelton, VP of Equity and Belonging, will appear on 88.1 The Burg for a program called “Sista’s of Neo Soul.” CWU student DJ Charlotte will be hosting Dr. Shelton from 1-2 p.m.

Other events scheduled on campus throughout Black History Month include:

• Friday, February 7 — Black History Month double feature: “Soul” at 6 p.m.; “Just Mercy” at 9 p.m.; SURC Theatre
• Wednesday, February 12 — Soul Music Takeover; 1-2 p.m.; SURC Pit
• Thursday, February 13 — Shaquem Griffin to speak to campus community; 7 p.m.; SURC Ballroom
• Friday, February 14 — R&B Listening Party, hosted by Black Student Union; 5-7 p.m.; Black Hall room 105
• Saturday, February 15 — Crimson and Black Ball, a formal gala hosted by the DEC and BSU; 6-8 p.m.; SURC Ballroom
• Tuesday, February 18 — Black History Month exhibit: “Black Americans and Labor”; all day; SURC 137. Exhibit will be on display through Friday, February 21.
• Wednesday, February 19 — Soul Music Takeover; 1-2 p.m.; SURC Pit
• Thursday, February 20 — Black Caucus. BSU welcomes Black students to share their voices and experiences; 5-7 p.m.; SURC Ballroom
• Wednesday, February 26 — Soul Music Takeover; 1-2 p.m.; SURC Pit
• Thursday, February 27 — Taste of Soul dinner with CWU Dining Services; 5-8 p.m.; Holmes Dining.
• Thursday, February 27 — "Sista's of Neo Soul” radio program on 88.1 The Burg, featuring VP of Equity and Belonging Dr. Charlita Shelton; 1-2 p.m.

If you need more information about the schedule of upcoming events, email diversity@cwu.edu or visit the DEC's Instagram and Facebook pages.