As Black History Month continues through February, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has prepared a full schedule of events that truly offer something for everyone. The celebration began with the short film screening that got people laughing, smiling and talking about these works of art such as the Oscar-winning animated piece "Hair Love."
The Office of DEI has strived to create authentic experiences that will provide a deeper understanding of the Black experience, which reflects the diverse and rich history of the Black culture and the African Diaspora. These activities are designed to encourage learning, foster dialogue, and bring our community together in celebration.
This month's episode of Campus Connections also commemorated Black History Month with thoughtful responses from our QCC community.
Worcester Black History Photo Gallery
February 21 | 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. | HLC 109A&B
This event will be showcasing photos of Black Worcester residents during the early 1900's. The photos will be up for the entire month of February. There will be an official presentation on Feb 21 by Frank Morrill, who is bringing the photos and one of the descendants of one of the subjects of the photos. The program is open to all students, faculty, and staff.
No registration is required.
Alumni Soul Food Brunch
February 24 | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | HLC 109 A & B
Guest Speakers:
President Luis G. Pedraja, Ph.D.
President of QCC Alumni Association Suzanne Graham Anderson
Vice President for Strategic Enrollment and Student Engagement Michelle Tufau
Registration Required
Afrobeats Dance Class with Victoria Adinkra
February 26 | 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | HLC 109 A&B
This event is a fun opportunity for folks to learn some moves from afrobeats dancing and the history behind the style. The program is open to all students, faculty, and staff.
VR Experience: Now is the Time
February 26-28 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | HLC 109 A&B
This event offers participants the ability to experience the Black experience during the Civil Rights Movement in virtual reality. The experience is about 20 minutes long, with discussions at the end of each session to process the activity. This program is open to all students, faculty, and staff.
Battle of the Verses
February 28 | 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | HLC 109A&B
This event is a competition between Worcester college students to show off their poetic sides through spoken word, rap, or poetry. Light refreshments will be provided for this event. This program is open to all students, faculty, and staff.
Registration Required
Black Owned Business Pop Up
February 29 | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | HLC 109A&B and Galleria
This event will be showcasing Worcester's small Black-owned businesses for participants to learn about and explore. Free haircuts will be available from Black barbers and hairdressers.
This program is open to all students, faculty, and staff. No registration required.
For more information contact Mendrick Banzuela at mbanzuela@qcc.mass.edu.
Landmark Civil Rights Legislation of the Mid 1960s
February 23 | 7:00 p.m. | Northborough Historical Society, 52 Main Street, Northborough
Adjunct Instructor of History Mark Bashour will present on the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. These key events in the Civil Rights movement led to major changes in American society. The talk will address protest marches, bus boycotts, and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and President Lyndon B. Johnson, who were crucial in passing this legislation. This event is free and open to the public.
This event is not sponsored by the Office of DEI but covers topics relevant to Black History Month. For more information contact Laura Ziton.