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Students discuss their Colson Whitehead novels after getting them autographed
Events | FeaturedJanuary 30, 2023

AV¶¶Ňő Kicks off Black History Month Celebrations

Throughout the month of February, the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith will host a slate of events honoring and celebrating Black History.

This year’s Black History Month theme, “Keeping Hope Alive,” pays homage to the social institutions that have coalesced to form the bedrock of Black hope in America. Education, government, and religion have historically been and remain integral cornerstones of African American success, said Lynette Thrower, chair of the Black History Month committee.

“Keeping Hope Alive examines the history, current state, and future of these institutions for African Americans through in-depth panel discussions, such as “Trends in Education” and the “Intersection of Religion and Politics,” as well as through the lenses of the “Now and Then” and “Arkansas African American Legislators – 1863-1898" exhibitions. Other areas of historical examination include a lecture on “Shaping Freedom in Post-Civil War Arkansas” and a multi-generational conversation on the African American barbershop as a hub for information exchange and inspiration,” Thrower said.

Events kicked off with a craft talk and lecture with two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Colson Whitehead.

The full slate of events includes:

2 - 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7
Colson Whitehead: Craft Talk
Windgate Art and Design Theatre 

6 - 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7
An Evening with Colson Whitehead
Book Signing to Follow
Stubblefield Center

5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9

River Valley Black Business Panel Center for Economic Development
The Bakery District

Noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15
Walking Tour of Photo Exhibition: “Now and Then: A Celebration of Black History in Fort Smith”
Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center Main Hallway

1:30 - 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15
Lecture: “Shaping Freedom in Post-Civil War Arkansas” Dr. Kelly Jones, Assistant Professor of History
Discussion to Follow
Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center Reynolds Room

6 - 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16
Film: “The Fabric of Fort Smith” with Introduction by Mayor George B. McGill
Discussion to Follow
Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center Reynolds Room

6 - 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17
Perspectives on Black History: The Intersection of Religion and Politics
Windgate Art and Design Theatre

6 - 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27
State of the City Address - The Honorable George B. McGill, Mayor of Fort Smith
Reception to Follow
Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center Reynolds Room

6 - 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21
Panel Discussion: “Perspectives on Black History: Trends in Education and the Future of Learning”
Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center Room 129

Noon to 1 p.m. Mon. & Tues., Feb. 27 – 28
Film at the Fireplace: “The Fabric of Fort Smith” 
Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center Fireplace
6 - 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28
“Barbershop Talk: The Black Barbershop as a Hub for Information, Inspiration, and Intellect”  
Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center Reynolds Room
Ongoing Events include: 

Feb. 6 – 28
Photo Exhibition: “Now and Then: A Celebration of Black History in Fort Smith”
Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center Main Hallway 

Feb. 16 - March 9
Traveling Exhibition: “Arkansas African American Legislators 1868-1893” Boreham Library Second Floor Rotunda

Feb. 1-28
Black Lions social media profile series at the AV¶¶Ňő Instagram and Facebook.

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