Hamline University is celebrating Black History Month with a series of public events. The theme is “Celebrating 40 Years of PRIDE, History, and Heritage,” as the Hamline University PRIDE Black Student Alliance, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. 

“We are very excited to be hosting so many wonderful activities for Black History Month this year at Hamline,” said Carlos Sneed, assistant dean of multicultural and international student affairs. “Taking a look back at the last 40 years celebrates the anniversary of the founding of Black Student Alliance and, through our programs, re-introduces us to the important people, episodes, movements and themes in the continuing evolution in the lives, minds, experiences and identities of Black Americans and Americans in general.”

All events take place on Hamline University’s Saint Paul campus, located at 1536 Hewitt Ave, and are free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Center for Multicultural and International Student Affairs at 651-523-2423.

Friday, February 5
Sorin Hall, Rooms A&B, 4 p.m.  
Black History Month Open House
Kick-off event for Black History Month. Games, food, trivia, fellowship, and a tribute to Dr. Carter Woodson, founder of Black History Month. Hamline’s PRIDE student organization celebrates its 40th anniversary.

Monday, February 8 Bush Student Center, HUB, 7 p.m.          
“Black Words, Black Thoughts”
Join local legend and educator Mahmoud El-Kati, professor emeritus of Macalester College, for an interactive discussion of the evolution of Black language and thought, including an examination of slang, identity, and music. El-Kati will also share insight into his book, Hiptionary. 

Thursday, February 11
Bush Student Center, HUB, 7 p.m.
“Unbought and Unbossed; Remembering Shirley Chisholm”
Before Jesse, before Al, before Barack, there was Shirley Chisholm. Chisholm was the first black woman elected to the U.S. Congress (in 1969) and the first African American to seek a major party’s Presidential nomination, an effort recounted in the documentary, Unbought & Unbossed.  

Tuesday, February 16
Bush Student Center Lobby, 6:30 p.m.
“The Future of Black Youth- A Panel Discussion”
Community leaders gather to discuss educational, employment, cultural, and social issues and opportunities facing Black youth in Minnesota.

Thursday, February 18
Klas Center, Kay Fredericks Room, 11:30 a.m.
“Keynote Address: Dr. Jane Rhodes”
Dr. Jane Rhodes is dean for the study of race and ethnicity and professor and chair of African studies at Macalester College. In this keynote speech, Rhodes will speak about how Black identity has changed and shifted over past 40 years. She will also focus on issues that have historical and continued impact on the Black community. 

Friday, February 19
Sundin Music Hall, 7 p.m.
“Unsettling Truths: Reflections on the Black Arts Movement”
An exploration/performance of a forgotten movement that continues to impact today’s cultural, political, and social landscape of Black America. Tributes to Fannie Lou Hamer, Amiri Baraka, Sonya Sanchez, Malcolm X, and others. Performances by Hamline students & local actress Trena Bolden Fields.

Wednesday, February 24
Bush Student Center Lobby, 6:30 p.m.
“Black Jeopardy XI”
Join members of the Hamline community and participate in a lively, competitive test of knowledge on Black history. Prizes for all, including audience members!