After several weeks of Black History Month programming including faculty workshops, informational panels and film screenings, Oglethorpe University will end February with two special events. Featuring a block party and a special concert, the end-of-the-month festivities will be an opportunity for the Oglethorpe community to celebrate Black culture.
Both of these events were planned by Oglethorpe student clubs and organizations, including DYNA.STTY, Black Student Caucus, African Student Association, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Epsilon Iota Psi, OU Cheerleading Team, Khayos Dance Team, Mu Phi Epsilon and Oglethorpe University Singers.
Starting at 6 p.m. on Feb. 25, the Black History Month Homecoming Block Party kicks off the evening’s festivities on the upper residential quad with a live DJ, free food and apparel. Additionally, attendees can support Black-owned businesses created by fellow Petrels and learn more about Black-led organizations on campus. The event is open to everyone to learn about, experience and celebrate Black culture.
Following the block party is “Together, We Rise,” a special concert featuring the Oglethorpe University Singers, Atlanta Youth Choir and more. The set list will include music that has influenced Black culture and holds special significance to the performers.
“This is not a monthly celebration,” reads the event description, “this is the celebration of countless lifetimes.”
Attendees must RSVP to attend “Together, We Rise.” Visit the event’s Eventbrite page to save a seat.
In additional Black History Month programming, recent alum and co-curator of the Oglethorpe University Museum of Art’s new exhibit, “Beloved Community: African American Exhibits in Atlanta Collections and Beyond” Taylor Roberts ’21 will give a lecture titled “Picturing Respectability” in the museum’s spacious Skylight Gallery on Feb. 23.
An art history major and former member of the OUMA Student Diversity Committee, Roberts has devoted much of her time to the museum. In 2019, she was one of three students who spearheaded an initiative to diversify the permanent collection of the museum, leading to the purchase of an original piece from celebrated Atlanta artist Shanequa Gay.
Black History Month is an annual celebration of the achievements of African Americans throughout U.S. history. Observed annually in February, the country recognizes and pays tribute to the generations of African Americans who struggled with adversity to achieve full citizenship in American society.
