2015 Marks 100 Years of Commemorating Black History and Culture

In February, Wellesley joins communities around the nation in celebrating Black History Month through myriad events, lectures, and community discussions.

"This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History [ASALH],” said Tracey Cameron, assistant dean of intercultural education, director of Harambee House, and advisor to students of African descent. “The organization, founded by the father of Black History, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, has played a critical role in research that involves the social, economic, and political issues that impact people of the African diaspora. It has also served in the promotion and preservation of African, Caribbean, and African American culture. As such, Harambee House will sponsor various events during February 2015 that focus on the theme, 'A Century of Black Life, History, and Culture.' We will offer educational events that aid in cultural awareness and understanding with a particular focus on contemporary concerns that impact people of African descent.”

The keynote lecturer for this year’s celebration is the activist, organizer, and writer, Charlene Carruthers, who is the National Director of the Black Youth Project 100. “Charlene's message is likely to resonate with our students as she is a young leader in a new movement aimed at eradicating racial injustices and gender inequality," said Cameron. Other highlights of the month include a coffeehouse with acclaimed performance poet Joshua Bennett, four movie screenings, and a Davis Museum Salon series event on the work of Radcliffe Bailey, among others.

2015 Black History Month: A Century of Black Life, History, and Culture

Black History Month Coffeehouse
Featuring Joshua Bennett
Friday, February 6, 7:00 pm • Harambee House
Sponsored by Harambee House and SBOG

Lecture: “#MakingItMatter”
Dr. David Wall Rice, Chair of the Psychology Department at Morehouse College
Wednesday, February 11, 5:00 pm • Library Lecture Room
Sponsored by Black Women’s Ministry

Documentary Screening: “The Price of Memory”
With Filmmaker Karen Mafundikwa
Friday, February 13, 7:00 pm • Founders 120
Sponsored by Africana Studies

Quintessence Day 
Shuanise Washington of the Congressional Black Caucus
Tuesday, February 17, 7:00 pm • Knapp Atrium
Sponsored by Ethos

Davis Museum Salon Series: “Hear/Say in the Works of Radcliffe Bailey”
Professor Nikki A. Greene
Wednesday, February 18, 12:30 pm • Davis Museum

National African American Read-In
Wednesday, February 18, 12:30 pm • Harambee House

Docu-Film: “A Litany for Survival: The Life and Work of Audre Lorde”
Thursday, February 19, 6:00 pm • Harambee House
Sponsored by Harambee House and blackOUT

Docu-Film: “Finding Fela!”
Friday, February 20, 7:00 pm • Harambee House
Sponsored by Harambee House and Wellesley African Students Association

Black Excellence Gala
Saturday, February 21, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm,
Cocktail Hour • Punch’s Alley
Saturday, February 21, 7:00 pm, - 9:00 pm,
Dinner & Awards Ceremony • Alumnae Ballroom
Sponsored by Ethos

African Dance Teach-In
Professor Marianne Harkless
Monday, February 23, 6:00 pm in Harambee House

Relaunch Reception: Ethos Woman Magazine
Tuesday, February 24, 5:00 pm • Harambee House

Keynote Lecture: “A New Black Activism”
Charlene Carruthers, National Director, Black Youth Project 100
Thursday, February 26, 6:00 pm • Knapp Atrium

Film Screening: “Dear, White People”
(Two Shows Each Date)
Fri./Sat., February 27-28, 7:00 pm & 9:00 pm • Collins Cinema
Sponsored by Harambee House and Film Society