Wittenberg University is pleased to offer a series of educational and community-focused events in honor of Black History Month, beginning on February 1, 2024.
Calendar of Events
"LWB: Loving While Black – A Radical Ethic"
Featuring: Professor of Philosophy Julius Bailey
Thursday, Feb. 1, at 2:30 p.m., Ness Auditorium, Hollenbeck Hall
As part of this year's programming, Bailey, Wittenberg professor and chair of philosophy and director of African & Diaspora Studies and Justice, Law & Public Policy, will kick off the month with this conversation, the first in his series of events titled "Aesthetics in Black: A Series on Race, Art, and Expression."
"Not my dust, But my Story"
Featuring: Poet and Writer Sierra Leone
Tuesday, Feb. 6, at 2:30 p.m., 105 Joseph C. Shouvlin Center
Leone, a poet and writer, who is the president, artistic director, and co-founder of the OFP Theatre and Production Company, joins the "Aesthetics in Black: A Series on Race, Art, and Expression." A Governor's Award-winning poet, Leone will captivate the audience with an exploration of the power of storytelling. Students interested in poetry and writing are also encouraged to attend a lunch with Leone from 12:30 to 2 p.m. To reserve a spot, reach out to wittdiversity@wittenberg.edu as space for lunch is limited to 10 students.
Step Afrika!
Wednesday, Feb. 7, 1929 Field House, HWA Complex
Another big event that Wittenberg is excited to be hosting in February will be the return of Step Afrika! Founded in 1994 as the first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping, Step Afrika! will dance into Springfield for a concert. Back by popular demand, the group’s first campus appearance took place during the 2019-2020 Wittenberg Series.
"Hip Hop: The Creation of Culture”
Featuring: Visiting Assistant Professor of Sociology Chad Sloss
Thursday, Feb. 8, at 2:30 p.m., Ness Family Auditorium, Hollenbeck Hall
Sloss, a sociology scholar, practitioner, and researcher specializing in education, culture, and conflict analysis, currently teaches courses in sociology, race and ethnicity, sociological theory, marriage and families, social problems, qualitative methods, education, and conflict studies at Wittenberg. His talk is part of the "Aesthetics in Black: A Series on Race, Art, and Expression."
“Fear, Belonging, and Being a Black Millennial Artist”
Featuring: Artist Jamaal Durr
Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 2:30 p.m., Koch Hall Auditorium
A contemporary artist known for his figurative mixed media works and portrait drawings, Durr has had his work exhibited at several galleries, including The Contemporary Dayton, ADC Fine Art Gallery in Cincinnati, the Columbus Cultural Arts Center, and the Springfield Museum of Art, where he also has a seat on the Curatorial Affairs Committee. His talk is part of the "Aesthetics in Black: A Series on Race, Art, and Expression." Students interested in art and entrepreneurship are also encouraged to attend a lunch with Durr from 12:30 to 2 p.m. To reserve a spot, reach out to wittdiversity@wittenberg.edu as space for lunch is limited to 10 students.
"Dance, Stomp, Shake”
Sunday, Feb. 18, 3 p.m., Dayton Masonic Center
525 W. Riverview Drive, Dayton
Billed as the hottest dance show in the Midwest, this dance competition event is geared specifically, but not exclusively, toward Black youth and families to celebrate the diversity of creative excellence and expression. It purposely coincides with Black History Month since it focuses primarily on hip-hop, a style of dance that traces its origins back to New York City's black community in the 1960s and 1970s. The McClain Center for Diversity and Build A Better Wittenberg will be sponsoring a bus trip to and from the event. Interested students should reach out to wittdiversity@wittenberg.edu as space is limited to 50 seats. The bus will leave at 1:30 p.m. and is free to Wittenberg students who sign up.
“Elevating the Creative in You"
Featuring: Choreographer and Creative Director Howard Washington
Monday, Feb. 19, at 9 a.m., Chakeres Memorial Theatre
Washington, founder and creative director of Dance Elevated Studio in Independence, Ohio, who specializes in choreography, will share in dialogue and present a mini-dance workshop as part of the "Aesthetics in Black: A Series on Race, Art, and Expression." The dialogue will begin at 9 a.m. followed by the mini-dance workshop with a live D.J. at 10 a.m.
Queer Documentary Series’ “Tongues Untied”
Tuesday, Feb. 20, at 4:30 p.m., Kissell Auditorium, Koch Hall
The Department of Art, in partnership with the McClain Center for Diversity, Gender and Sexual Diversity Alliance, Concerned Black Students, and Equality Springfield, will present this film in Koch Hall. Food and refreshments will be provided, and the viewing will be followed by a panel discussion.
“Black Musical History: Blurring the Sacred vs. Secular Line" with Kent Brooks
Tuesday, March 19, at 2:30 p.m., Koch Hall Auditorium
Wrapping up the series will be Kent Brooks, professor of religious and spiritual life at Northwestern University, who will discuss this final topic as part of the "Aesthetics in Black: A Series on Race, Art, and Expression." Brooks previously taught voice, conducted the Imani Gospel Choir, and served as chapel organist at Wittenberg.
