GVSU events celebrate Black History Month

African American traditions, activism through sports and a celebration of art will be featured throughout the month of February to celebrate Black History Month at Grand Valley State University.

The annual celebration is organized by Grand Valley's Office of Multicultural Affairs. Events are free and open to the public. 

Some events are highlighted below. See a complete schedule at www.gvsu.edu/oma. 

"Hip Hop Education," January 29, 6-8 p.m., Kirkhof Center, Grand River Room. Chris Emdin, associate professor of mathematics at Columbia University, will discuss and challenge the perceptions of students of color being unteachable. 

"Celebration of Black Arts," February 3, 7:30-9 p.m., Kirkhof Center, room 2215. Members of the African American student body will pay homage to African American entertainers. 

"Black Activism Through Sports," February 6, noon-1:30 p.m., Kirkhof Center, room 2215. Louis Moore, associate professor of history, will discuss truths, rumor and myths about blackness, body image and social acceptance. 

"Taste of Soul," February 16, noon-1 p.m., Kirkhof Center lobby. Event participants will taste-test and learn about traditional African American soul food.

"Accidental Courtesy," February 20, 1-2:30 p.m., Kirkhof Center, Grand River Room. Author and musician Daryl Davis will discuss his encounters with members of the Ku Klux Klan and how racial tensions can be healed. Davis is author of Klan-Destine Relationships and is the subject of the documentary, "Accidental Courtesy." 

"Racial Battle Fatigue Syndrome," February 27, 6-8 p.m., DeVos Center, room 302E. Lois Owens, professor in the School of Social Work and liberal studies, will lead a seminar about Racial Battle Fatigue Syndrome and ways to be an advocate for underrepresented populations. 

Supporting sponsors include the Division of Inclusion and Equity, Revive, Black Student Union, Alpha Kappa Psi Co-Ed Business Fraternity, African/African American Studies, Department of Music, Community Service Learning Center, NAACP, OMA Ambassadors, TRiO-SS and WGVU.