Across the United States and beyond, February has become synonymous with Black History Month. Yet Black History Month has also become a time for many things for many people: fundraisers, pageants, entertainment, religious services. This year, I invite you to remember how Black History Month began.
The idea came from the mind of educator Dr. Carter G. Woodson – and he intended for the idea to grow into a rich and rigorous educational experience. Not far from Aurora University (Aurora College then), Dr. Woodson and a small group of colleagues gathered in Chicago and birthed the concept of providing a robust week of learning focused on the history and contributions of African Americans – learning that, in the early twentieth century, could not be found in the curricula of the American education system. This February, I cannot resist thinking that perhaps the most appropriate place to honor Black History Month is on a college campus, inside and outside of the classroom.
This is why I am happy to announce that The Office of Black Student Initiatives will be partnering across campus to offer several interactive learning experiences for the AU community. Please take a moment to read more about each event below. We would love for you to join us!
In addition to Black History Month, members of our community will commemorate the Lunar Year, Ash Wednesday and Lent, and other important calendar events. The Wackerlin Center invites you to participate in this month’s programming as we continue to embrace and celebrate the beautiful diversity of our AU community.
In solidarity,
Justin West
Executive Director, Wackerlin Center for Faith and Action
Chief Diversity Officer |
|
Join the Campus Community
|
The Office of Black Student Initiatives invites you to attend the following Black History Month events.
Black Alumni Discussion
Join us for an inspiring conversation with AU alumnus Shaka Rawls ’99 as he details his journey from AU student to Principal of Leo High School and 2021 Chicagoan of the Year from Chicago Magazine.
Monday, February 5 | 7–8:30 p.m.
Tapper Recital Hall, Hill Welcome Center
Men’s Basketball Game:
Black History Month Celebration
Come cheer on the men's basketball team for a late-season game and celebrate Black History Month with members of the Black Student Union.
Join in with some halftime games and help cheer on a Spartan victory!
Wednesday, February 7 | 7 p.m.
Thornton Gymnasium
BSI Kick Back:
Black Arts for the Soul
African American contributions to the Arts are one of the defining parts of Black culture. In a night of music, poetry, and live art, learn how Black Art has transformed the lives of our three guest performers and how they used it as a way of self-expression.
Thursday, February 15 | 7–9 p.m.
Wackerlin Center
Black Greek Mixer
Join us for an opportunity to meet members of some historically Black Greek letter organizations and learn about their importance to Black culture.
Thursday, February 29 | 6–8 p.m.
Dunham Hall Atrium |
|
|
|
"The Meeting" - A One-Act Play
Directed by: Rain Wilson, Artist in Residence and Interdisciplinary Catalyst
Thursday, February 22, 2024 | 7 p.m.
Crimi Auditorium in the Institute for Collaboration
In 1965 at the height of the civil rights movement at a hotel room in Harlem, we witness the fictional but powerfully written meeting of two of the most important men of modern times: Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Differing in their philosophies, but alike in their mutual respect, the two men debate their approach and tactics to the same grave social problems of that time.
“The Meeting” is a powerful and compelling play about the imaginary meeting of two of the most important people of modern times: Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. |
|
|
Join the campus community for these upcoming gatherings. If you have any questions, please contact University Chaplain Mark Woolfington at mwoolfington@aurora.edu.
Interfaith Prayer Gathering
Friday, February 2
3 p.m.
Tucker Room, Wackerlin Center
Worship Nights
Thursday, February 8
Thursday, February 22
6:30 p.m.
Lowry Chapel, Eckhart Hall
Catholic Mass
Monday, February 12
Monday, February 26
7:15–8 a.m.
Lowry Chapel, Eckhart Hall
Support Group for Peace and Justice
A community that provides space for emotional processing, healing, and intentional action around issues of violence, injustice, and war.
Monday, February 5
4–5 p.m.
Wackerlin Center
|
|
|
Webinar: Fostering Campus Cultures of Learning, Belonging, and Thriving
Wednesday, February 28
1 p.m. CT
For five decades, research has shown that student connections with faculty, peers, and staff are crucial for learning, identity, persistence, and success, especially for first-generation and minority students. This session will provide insights for faculty and staff on fostering a culture that prioritizes these relationships and equipping students with practical strategies to build the networks they need to thrive.
Attend this free webinar, "Connections are Everything," hosted by ACUE and The Council of Independent Colleges. Click below to register. |
|
|
Volunteer Opportunity:
Mercy Housing Mobile Food Trucks
Constitution House | 401 N. Constitution Dr. Aurora
Upcoming Dates:
February 8
March 14
April 4
May 9
Mercy Housing is seeking volunteers to help with their mobile food trucks, which includes unloading food off of the truck and packaging food into boxes. The food trucks typically start at 9 a.m. and run through 11:30 a.m. Volunteers are asked to arrive at 8:45 a.m. for a training and to sign a waiver release. If interested, please contact Justin West at juwest@aurora.edu. |
|
|
Safe Zone 1.0 Training
Monday, March 18
2–3:30 p.m.
Hill Center for Student Success
AU’s Safe Zone Training Program is designed to provide resources to explore topics of gender and sexuality, increase awareness of the experiences of LGBTQ+ identities, and promote inclusive practices that foster a campus climate in which all are welcomed, included, and empowered to thrive.
Safe Zone 1.0 — a basic introduction to key issues, statistics, and vocabulary related to the experiences of the LGBTQ+ community.
Click below to register for Safe Zone 1.0.
|
|
|
Interfaith Prayer Gathering
3 p.m.
Tucker Room, Wackerlin Center |
|
|
Support Group for Peace and Justice
4–5 p.m.
Wackerlin Center |
|
|
Black Alumni Discussion
7–8:30 p.m.
Tapper Recital Hall, Hill Welcome Center |
|
|
Men's Basketball Game:
Black History Month Celebration
7 p.m.
Thornton Gymnasium |
|
|
Worship Night
6:30 p.m.
Lowry Chapel, Eckhart Hall |
|
|
Catholic Mass
7:15 a.m.
Lowry Chapel, Eckhart Hall |
|
|
BSI Kick Back: Black Arts for the Soul
7–9 p.m.
Wackerlin Center |
|
|
"The Meeting" - A One-Act Play
7 p.m.
Crimi Auditorium |
|
|
Worship Night
6:30 p.m.
Lowry Chapel, Eckhart Hall |
|
|
Catholic Mass
7:15 a.m.
Lowry Chapel, Eckhart Hall |
|
|
Black Greek Mixer
6–8 p.m.
Dunham Hall Atrium |
|
|
Safe Zone Training 1.0
2–3:30 p.m.
Hill Center for Student Success |
|
|
|
|
Revive Retreat
Students who attended the Revive Retreat over winter break were able to refresh, relax, and prepare for the Spring semester through art, yoga, mindfulness workshops, and community building experiences. |
|
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Events
The AU community celebrated the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by gathering for an Interfaith Service of Solidarity and by sharing their hopes for peace and justice with the MLK art project. |
|
Aurora University Wackerlin Center for Faith and Action 347 S. Gladstone Ave. Aurora, Illinois 60506 United States You are receiving this email because you are a member of the AU community. To update your email preferences, please Unsubscribe. |
|
|
|
|
