February’s Black History Month Events Planned at UW

Several free public events are planned in February as part of the University of Wyoming’s Black History Month celebration.

This year’s theme -- “Narrative Alchemy: Transforming Black History into Power” -- serves as a powerful tool for amplifying voices that have been historically marginalized, says Maia Marces, UW Multicultural Affairs Intersectional Program coordinator.

“By sharing diverse and authentic stories, we have the ability to challenge stereotypes, break down prejudices and build bridges of understanding,” Marces says. “In the context of the Black community, narratives play a crucial role in dismantling long-standing systemic barriers and fostering a more inclusive society. Moreover, narratives have the potential to inspire action.”

Marces adds that, when people see themselves reflected positively in stories, it instills a sense of pride and empowerment.

“This empowerment is a catalyst for social change, as it encourages individuals to challenge injustice, strive for equity and actively contribute to building a more just and inclusive society,” Marces says. “As we start our Black History Month 2024 celebration, we invite you to share in shaping new narratives around identity, Blackness, power, joy and where we are going from here together.”

The schedule for Black History Month events is:

-- Saturday, Feb. 3, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Snowshoeing trip with UW’s Outdoor Program. Space is limited. To sign up, click here.

-- Thursday, Feb. 8, noon-12:50 p.m.: Book Study Series with the Wyoming Institute for Humanities. “Research: The Color Purple,” led by UW English Professor Tracey Owens Patton, Wyoming Union Multicultural Resource Center, Room 103. Lunch-and-learn-style book study on “The Color Purple”  by Alice Walker. Lunch will be provided. Books have been purchased by the humanities research institute, and participants should call Multicultural Affairs at (307) 766-6463 or email uwma@uwyo.edu to pick up a copy.

-- Friday, Feb. 9, 10 a.m.-noon: Tabling takeover in the Wyoming Union breezeway. To sign up to table, click here.

-- Friday, Feb. 9, 6:30 p.m.: Screening of “The Color Purple” (1985)  with 7220 Entertainment, Wyoming Union Family Room. In conjunction with the release of the new musical “The Color Purple” and the book study with Owens Patton, the event will feature the original “The Color Purple” film. Attendees will receive a Black History Month craft to take home.

-- Thursday, Feb. 15, noon-12:50 p.m.: Book Study Series with the Wyoming Institute for Humanities. “Research: The Color Purple,” led by Owens Patton, Wyoming Union Multicultural Resource Center, Room 103. Lunch-and-learn-style book study on “The Color Purple”  by Alice Walker. Lunch will be provided. Books have been purchased by the humanities research institute, and participants should call Multicultural Affairs at (307) 766-6463 or email uwma@uwyo.edu to pick up a copy.

-- Thursday, Feb. 15, 6-8 p.m.: “Tales at the ___,” Black History Month event at The Collective, located at 100 S. Second St. UW’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Multicultural Affairs are collaborating with the community on “Tales at the ___” storytelling event. Speakers are needed for the program; participants interested can sign up here. Food will be provided.

-- Thursday, Feb. 22, noon-12:50 p.m.: Book Study Series with the Wyoming Institute for Humanities. “Research: The Color Purple,” led by Owens Patton, Wyoming Union Multicultural Resource Center, Room 103. Lunch-and-learn-style book study on “The Color Purple”  by Alice Walker. Lunch will be provided. Books have been purchased by the humanities research institute, and participants should call Multicultural Affairs at (307) 766-6463 or email uwma@uwyo.edu to pick up a copy.

-- Thursday, Feb. 22, 1-2:30 p.m.: Meet and greet with St. Clair Detrick-Jules, speaker and presenter of “Black Hair and Storytelling as Forms of Social Activism.” The event is to meet Detrick-Jules, an author, filmmaker, researcher, photographer and speaker. For more information, email Multicultural Affairs at uwma@uwyo.edu.

-- Thursday, Feb. 22, 6-8 p.m.: “Black Hair and Storytelling as Forms of Social Activism with St. Clair,” UW College of Education auditorium. In her presentation, Detrick-Jules will discuss the role of “being your authentic self and telling your authentic story” in creating social change.

-- Wednesday, Feb. 28, 6-8 p.m.: “Fight the Power: Black 14 Social Justice Summer Institute Exhibit and Reception,” Wyoming Union Ballroom. The program will honor the legacy of UW’s Black 14 football players and celebrate the accomplishments of the 2023 cohort for the Black 14 Social Justice Summer Institute. Photovoice projects, completed by the institute’s high school students, are on display in the 7220 Gallery, available to view through February. The keynote speaker will be Jason Thompson, the first Black Associated Students of UW president. Black tie/business casual dress code is suggested. Dinner will be served. To RSVP for the event, go to https://forms.office.com/r/FRQcqUwNPG.

-- Thursday, Feb. 29, noon-12:50 p.m.: Book Study Series with the Wyoming Institute for Humanities. “Research: The Color Purple,” led by Owens Patton, Wyoming Union Multicultural Resource Center, Room 103. Lunch-and-learn-style book study on “The Color Purple” by Alice Walker. Lunch will be provided. Books have been purchased by the humanities research institute, and participants should call Multicultural Affairs at (307) 766-6463 or email uwma@uwyo.edu to pick up a copy.

For more information or accommodation requests, call the Multicultural Affairs office at (307) 766-6463 or email uwma@uwyo.edu.