Series of events planned for Black History Month

A discussion about the Grand Rapids riots, a musical tribute to Black Gospel, and the history of Black Islam are just a few of the events planned throughout the month of February to celebrate Black History Month at Grand Valley.

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. 

Grand Rapids Riots, February 6 from noon-1:30 p.m. in the Kirkhof Center, room 2270. George Bayard, executive director of Grand Rapids African American Museum, will give a presentation on the Grand Rapids Riots of 1967.

We Are Not Invisible, February 8 at noon in the Kirkhof Center, Pere Marquette Room. Rik Stevenson, professor of African American Studies, will give a presentation on the significance and importance of Black History Month and its transition from Negro History Week. 

Celebration of Gospel, Sunday, February 17 at 3 p.m. in the Cook-DeWitt Center. A musical tribute to Black Gospel with a reflection on the impact it has had on the African American community.

Get Yo Mind Right, February 19 from 1-2:30 p.m. in the Kirkhof Center, room 2263. Latrece McDaniel, coordinator of Multicultural & Diversity Initiatives, will lead a discussion on the mental well-being of students of color with strategies to identify when to seek help.

Black Islam in the United States, February 21 from noon-1:30 p.m. in the Kirkhof Center, room 2263. A presentation that explores the history of Black Islam and the impact Black Muslims have had in American culture. 

Supporting sponsors include: Office of Multicultural Affairs, Division of Inclusion and Equity, Black Greek Council, African/African American Studies, Black Student Union, We Are Chicago, Black Graduate Student Association, You Beautiful Black Woman, IPromise, OMA Ambassadors, Positive Black Women, Untold Stories of People of Color, Campus Interfaith Resources, Center for Women and Gender Equity, The Voices of GVSU, Rubies, and L.LY.F.E.