Black History Month at UH Hilo: Cultural events, art, panel, talks, choir performance
The events recognize the significant role African Americans have played in the development and shaping of society, including politics, culture, science, and the arts.
The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo celebrates Black History Month with a series of events, all free and open to the public.
The events honor and highlight achievements, contributions, and history of Black individuals and communities, and recognize the significant role African Americans have played in the development and shaping of society, including politics, culture, science, and the arts.
Black History Exhibit by the UH Hilo History Club is on display Feb. 1-29, 2024, in Mookini Library.
Letʻs Talk Hair! is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024, 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., University Campus Building. room 127. Talk Story and Panel Discussion with St. Claire Detrick-Jules, an Afro-Caribbean author, filmmaker, photographer, and activist who will share from her book, My Beautiful Black Hair: 101 Natural Hair stories from the Sisterhood. A panel discussion will follow, as well as Q&A with the author. Giveaways for students.
Public talk by visiting artist Ashley Cole, who will discuss her work currently on view in a gallery exhibition, “Figures, Light, and Abstraction,” at Campus Center, room 301. The talk, on her work “Repping Abstraction: Interpreting Freedom,” will take place Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at University Classroom Building, room 127. Cole is a contemporary abstract artist whose vibrant and dynamic works have captivated audiences around the world. Born in Compton, California, Ashley’s early years were spent in the vibrant and culturally rich community of Watts. It was here that she developed her love and appreciation for art, drawing inspiration from the vibrant colors and textures of her surroundings.
Cultural event, “A Global Melanated Experience,” Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024, 4:30-8:00 p.m. at the Campus Center Plaza. This cultural event is organized by the community in conjunction with UH Hilo faculty and students. The event focuses on showcasing African-centered art, dance performances, and food, and will also include speakers discussing Black history. This event aims to promote the diversity of both African-American and African cultures throughout the diaspora by showcasing the talent, food, music, dance, and art of both identities: Afro Brazilian Dance, Maroons in the Diaspora, African Dance and Drumming, Black Indians.
Panel discussion, “Black History in the African Diaspora,” Thursday, Feb. 22, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., Campus Center, room 301. Presenters include Kofi LeNiles, assistant professor, Department of Instructional Leadership and Professional Development, Towson University, Towson, MD, speaking on “Maroon Ideas for Present Day Living,” and Cozmo El, author, grand sheik and minister of culture at the Moorish Science Temple of America-Hawaiʻi, addressing “The Obscure Identity of Melanated Indigenous People.”
Choir performance, “History of Gospel Music Experience,” Thursday, Feb. 29, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Campus Center Plaza. Concert includes soloists, choral works and small ensembles from the Hawaiʻi Island Gospel Community Choir who will navigate history from slave ships to current times through song, spoken word, dramatic presentation, dance, Negro Spirituals and traditional gospel songs. Music of artists include Mahalia Jackson, Albertina Walker, the Clark Sisters, Walter Hawkins/Edwin Hawkins/Mississippi Mass Choir, Hezekiah Walker, Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin and Maverick City.
Lecture, “From The Plantation to Implantation Afrofuturism in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” Thursday, March 7, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., Campus Center, room 301. UH Hilo alumni Steve Martin reveals how Afrofuturism has shaped the future of the contemporary world and exposes impending dangers with a presentation designed to engage the audience on topics ranging from critical race theory, frontiers in economics pertaining to the U.S bioeconomy and bioethics, to the impending impact of artificial intelligence on the careers and the culture of the Black community in the United States presented through a timeline of key events in American history.
Sponsors
The events are sponsored by the UH Hilo departments of art; gender and women’s studies; history; kinesiology and exercise sciences, performing arts; and philosophy; and the UH Hilo History Club, First Year Experience program, the LGBTQ and Women’s Center, and the ʻOhana Black Community.
