Celebrating Black History Month at Binghamton

BHM Kickoff: Roll Bounce

Join the BSU for the Black History Month kickoff event from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1 at the Skate Estate Family Fun Center in Vestal. Enjoy good music and a great time. Wear your funkiest 70s and 80s-themed outfits inspired by the 2005 film Roll Bounce. Attendees can skate and talk about what’s coming up this month.

Straight Outta Compton: Movie Screening with Discussion

Straight Outta Compton is a 2015 American biographical drama film depicting the rise and fall of the hip-hop group N.W.A and its members Eazy-E, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, MC Ren and DJ Yella. Come for the screening, stay for the discussion at 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, in the Union Undergrounds Lounge. Refreshments provided. Sponsored by the MRC, Late Nite Binghamton and BSU.

Understanding Our Roots

Join the BSU and MALIK Fraternity Inc., for a discussion on the importance and privilege of knowing your past, ties to your community and heritage at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 6, in room 202 of the Union.

National Black HIV/AIDs Day

Stop by the Q Center (LS-G549) from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, for “What is National Black HIV/AIDs Day?” — part of the new “Queer-ies” series at the Q Center. The Southern Tier AIDs Program will be on hand to discuss the history of this awareness day, answer questions, and share prizes and giveaways. Contact Aiden at abraun@binghamton.edu to request any accommodation needs.

Sister's Circle

This is a safe, reflective space for women of color to come together, share their experiences, advice and practice a variety of self-help exercises. All women of color are welcome. Come to the Multicultural Resource Center Lounge from 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8. Sponsored by the MRC, UCC and PULSE.

Student of Color Monthly Mixer

Every month the MRC hosts the New Student of Color Mixer in the MRC Lounge. Everyone is welcome to join for lively conversation and refreshments from 3:30-5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9 in the Multicultural Resource Center Lounge. Sponsored by the MRC.

Vanguard Open Mic

Vanguard will perform and share their new Valentine’s Day-inspired, love-themed issue from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15, in the Union Undergrounds Lounge. Following the performance, there will be space for all poets and artists to share their work. Food and refreshments provided. Sponsored by the BSU.

Hair Show: Afro-World

The annual Hair Show — taking place from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, in Old Union Hall— celebrates the versatility and history of black hair in all its kinky, ebony beauty! This year’s theme: Afro-World! Sponsored by the BSU.

Love, SHADES

SHADES presents their annual carnival from 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, in Old Union Hall. The event will include drag performers, prizes, games and sex positivity. Follow SHADES on Instagram for ticket info.

Movie and Discussion: Kiki

Explore different aspects of the LGBTQ+ community through the visual medium of film and the Q Center’s new “Guided Film Series,” happening monthly throughout the spring semester. The Q Center will kick things off from 2-4 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 22, in LS-G532, with the screening of Kiki, a successor to the groundbreaking film Paris is Burning. After the movie, there will be a facilitated discussion. Contact Aiden at abraun@binghamton.edu if you require accommodations to participate in this viewing and discussion.

Black History Jeopardy

Think you know your Black history? Put your knowledge to the test in this friendly game of Jeopardy at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, in room 202 of the University Union. Sponsored by BSU and JUMP.

BHM Keynote Speaker: Tamika Mallory

Join us for this special program featuring activist Tamika Mallory from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24, in the Mandela Room. Mallory is a groundbreaking, award-winning social justice leader and movement strategist and one of four national co-chairs of the 2017 Women’s March, hailed as one of the largest single-day demonstrations in U.S. history. Mallory will talk about her roots and work as an activist, with time for questions and answers. A reception will follow from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Division of DEI, BSU and MRC.

Black Excellence Brunch

Join the Black Student Union as we close out Black History Month from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, at the University Downtown Center. They’ll be recognizing individuals and organizations that have impacted the Black community. Food will be provided. Sponsored by the BSU.

African Drumming Workshop

The BSU will team up with the Africana Studies Department for a workshop on the history and fundamentals of African Drumming at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, in room 209 of the Union. All levels and experiences are welcome. This will be a fun opportunity to make new friends and even learn a few new tricks!

Library Highlights

In honor of Black History Month, the Libraries amplifies the works by and about Black writers, creators, researchers and activists. Explore last year’s Amplifying Black Authors Reading List along with the Libraries’ Anti-Racism research guide as part of your exploration of Black history. Be sure to follow the Libraries for a brand-new Amplifying Black Authors Reading List coming out later this month.

Kim Mousseau is the communications manager for the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and loves telling the diversity story at Binghamton. In her free time, you can find her volunteering at the Broome County Humane Society, practicing one-legged yoga moves and reading (way too late) into the night.