Celebrating culture throughout Black History Month

By Francesca Abarca •

From Feb. 1 to March 1, Black History Month annually honors the triumphs and struggles of African Americans throughout U.S. history.

Throughout the month different organizations, including Black Student Union and Campus Life, have been hosting events celebrating Black History Month. One of the first events of the month was Embrace Your Roots, where students played games and learned more about why it is important to celebrate Black History Month.

“[Black History Month] shows a portion of who we are and how we can come together to celebrate. It showcases how we are a family and how we come together,” said Vyctorea Jones, senior biology major. “It is not about the past but also how we can change the future.”

Black History Month: Friday Matinee

Friday, Feb. 23, 3 – 4 p.m.

Tas Salini, instructor of film history and film appreciation at Broward College, will lead a discussion on the 2005 film, “The Simple Life of Noah Dearborn” on Zoom. It is hosted by the Alvin Sherman Library and Halmos College of Arts & Sciences. The film is available to watch through Broward County Library’s Kanopy collection.

Black Excellence Showcase: Rise of the Renaissance

Friday, Feb. 23, 7 – 10 p.m.

Located in the Flight Deck Backyard, the Black Student Union celebrates Black culture with the annual Black Excellence Showcase. There will be performances, dancing, music and food.

Florida’s Got Soul!

Monday, Feb. 26, 5:30 – 7 p.m.

Florida’s Got Soul!, a presentation based on John Capouya’s book “Florida Soul,” includes classic soul music and vintage photographs in an educational and entertaining experience in the Adolfo and Marisela Cotilla Gallery, Alvin Sherman Library. The presentation takes inspiration from Florida soul performers, such as Ray Charles, Sam and Dave, James and Bobby Purify.

Black History Month: Happy Hour Book Club

Thursday, Feb. 29, 6 – 7 p.m.

The Alvin Sherman Library will host a book club meeting discussing James McBride’s “The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store.” The event will be held on Zoom.