2023 Black History Month Events at WP

This year's Black History Month celebration theme is "Black Resistance: Pride, Power, Persistence," highlighting stories of strength, advocacy, and change through the focal lens of economics, culture, religion, and politics.

 

• Opening Keynote Speaker - Wednesday, February 1; 6 p.m. University Commons Ballrooms – Featuring Zellie Thomas, WP alum and an organizer for Black Lives Matter Paterson. Thomas will present on current issues around racial discrimination and the intentional work Black Lives Matter Paterson does to bring awareness and change to the local community, through legislation.

 

• Africana World Studies Program Alumni Panel – Tuesday, February 7; 5 p.m. Library Auditorium – A panel featuring alumni to discuss the history of black student resistance at WP.

 

• Cultural Bowl - Thursday, February 9; 12:30 p.m. UC Ballroom A – A history lesson and taste test on cultural foods from the Black diaspora around the world.

 

• Down Home Dinner Game Night and Social – Thursday, February, 9; 6 p.m. Wayne Dining Hall – A night of southern comfort foods, seated table games (cards, board games, etc.), and a live DJ.

 

• Harlem Bus Trip – Saturday, February 11; Bus departs Lot 5 at 10 a.m. and returns at 6 p.m. – Spend the day visiting the Schomburg Center, enjoying a southern meal at the famous Amy Ruth’s restaurant, and shopping at local black-owned boutiques.

• BLM Street Medic Civic Engagement – Wednesday, February 15; 6 p.m. Student Center Multipurpose Room – Care packaging making and clothes donation for the population whom the Black Lives Matter Paterson Street Medic Team serves.

 

• Chat with a Recruiter – Thursday, February 16; 11 a.m. University Commons 208 – Stop by to have your career questions answered by an experienced recruiter that will share tips on how to stand out and avoid pitfalls in the hiring process.

• The Resume Lab – Thursday, February 16; 12:30 p.m. University Commons 216 – Stop by to see members of the Career Development office to review your resume.

 

• Courageous Conversations with WP Residence Life – Thursday, February 16; 5 p.m. High Mountain East – A practical open discussion about the bias expectations of people of color in the workplace such as hairstyle, clothing, communication, work style and more. We will discuss how this bias shows up in policy, office behavior and supervision, and what we can do to shift to more inclusive workplace environments.

  

• Love is the Message – Thursday, February 16; 7 p.m. University Commons 168A – An open discussion in recognition of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

 

• The Black Wax Museum – Tuesday, February 21; 12:30 p.m. Student Center Multipurpose Room – a live “museum” featuring prominent Black figures.

 

• AfroChella – Tuesday, February 21; 8 p.m. University Commons Ballroom C – A night of showcasing student talent.

 

• AfriCinema – Wednesday, February 22; 6 p.m. University Commons 202 – a movie and interactive discussion with Africana-World Studies professors Dr. Danielle Wallace and Dr. James Alford.

 

• Know Your Rights – Thursday, February 23; 12:30 p.m. University Commons 171A/B – WP's Community Police will present a workshop on understanding your rights as a civilian should you encounter a law enforcement officer.

 

• Step Afrika! – Thursday, February 23; 7:30 p.m. Shea Center for the Performing Arts – the history and roots of stepping performance.

 

• Night Fit for a King – Friday, February 24 5 p.m. University Commons Ballrooms – SABLE presents a night of honoring black men through awards and appreciation.

 

• Closing Brunch – Saturday, February 25 11 a.m. Student Center Multipurpose Room – Closing social celebration for Black History Month.

 

• Forever Ray: Paying Homage to the Music of Ray Charles – Saturday, February 25 8 p.m. Shea Center for the Performing Arts – Musical performance.