UH Hilo invites public to Black History Month events
Date: Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Contact: Alyson Kakugawa-Leong, (808) 932-7669
For Immediate Release
The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo invites the public to its Black History Month events to celebrate, honor and highlight the achievements, contributions, and history of Black individuals and communities. The observance aims to recognize the significant role that African Americans have played in the development and shaping of various aspects of society, including politics, culture, science, and the arts. There is no admission charge.
• Black History Exhibit by UH Hilo History Club in Mookini Library, entire month of February
• Visiting Artist Ashley Cole from Los Angeles, CA details her current work, “Repping Abstraction: Interpreting Freedom,” Thursday, February 8, 5-6 p.m., University Classroom Building Room 127
• A Global Melanated Experience cultural event showcases African-centered art, dance performances and food, Tuesday, February 20, 4:30 – 8 p.m., Campus Center Plaza. The event will also include speakers discussing Black history promoting the diversity of both African American and African cultures throughout the diaspora by illuminating the talent, food, music, dance and art of these identities
• Panel discussion of Black History in the African Diaspora, Thursday, February 22, 6-7:30 p.m., Campus Center Room 301. Presenters include Dr. Kofi LeNiles, Assistant Professor, Department of Instructional Leadership and Professional Development, Towson University, Towson, MD, speaking on “Maroon Ideas for Present Day Living,” and Minister Cozmo El, author, Grand Sheik and Minister of Culture of Moorish Science Temple of America - Hawaiʻi, addressing “The Obscure Identity of Melanated Indigenous People”
• History of Gospel Music Experience, Thursday, February 29, 6-8 p.m., 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
• “From The Plantation to Implantation Afrofuturism in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” Thursday, March 7, 6-7:30 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.
The events are sponsored by the UH Hilo Departments of Art, Gender & Women’s Studies, History, Kinesiology & Exercise Sciences, Performing Arts & Philosophy. UH Hilo History Club, First Year Experience, LGBTQ &Women’s Center, and Ohana Black Community.
For more information or for disability accommodations, contact Dr. Celia Bardwell-Jones at celiab@hawaii.edu, (V) 808-932-7200, or Yolisa Duley at hduley@hawaii.edu, (V) 808-932-7963, (TTY) 808-932-7002.
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