Each year, Metropolitan State University of Denver observes Black History Month by reflecting on our role and mission as a diverse, accessible urban institution that has been committed to diversity, equity and inclusive excellence since its inception.
The University honors Black History Month and our Black community members through a variety of events that reflect and celebrate the Black experience, Black scholarship and Black leaders within our campus community and around the globe.
All Roadrunners are invited to join in these events, to learn from visiting scholars, to build community and to support the many organizations across our campus that work to create a more inclusive and equitable University.
39th Annual Black World Conference: “Afrofuturism: A Daily Lived Experience” with Ayana A.H. Jamieson, Ph.D.
Feb. 16
9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
This year’s Black World Conference theme, “Afrofuturism: A Daily Lived Experience,” includes visual and interdisciplinary arts as well as the groundbreaking work of renowned science-fiction writer Octavia Butler. The latter will be explored in depth by keynote speaker Ayana A.H. Jamieson, Ph.D., of CSU Pomona and founder of the Octavia Butler Legacy Network. Read more about the history and impact of this highly esteemed event in the Early Bird.
33rd Annual Bridge Speaker Event
Feb. 24
Cajetan’s Event Center
11 a.m.
The Gender Institute for Teaching and Advocacy’s annual Bridge Speaker event serves as a bridge between Black History Month in February and Women’s History Month in March.
This year’s speaker is Patrisse Cullors, co-founder and former executive director of the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation. Cullors has been on the front lines of abolitionist organizing for 20 years and is the author of the New York Times bestseller “When They Call You a Terrorist” and the soon-to-be-released “12 Steps to Changing Yourself and the World: An Abolitionist’s Handbook.” Cullors is an established community leader, social activist and performance artist who raises awareness through a unique blend of activism and politically expressive theatre. A queer Black woman, she delivers perspective on the adversities inflicted by social injustice, discrimination and the lack of accountability in law enforcement. And she discusses her commitment to being the voice for those who can’t be heard, educating and inspiring audiences to organize and stand together to transform society into a world where the lives and contributions of all individuals are recognized equally.
This event is co-sponsored by friends and collaborators across campus, including the Office of Diversity and Inclusion; the Center for Equity and Student Achievement; the Center for Multicultural Engagement and Inclusion; the Department of Gender, Women and Sexualities Studies; the Department of Africana Studies; the Department of Chicana/o Studies; the Department of Political Science; the Department of Social Work; and the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology.
Rachel Noel Distinguished Visiting Professorship welcomes Calvin Mackie
Community Lecture and Awards
March 8
6-7:30 p.m.
Shorter Community AME Church
Campus Keynote
March 9
11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
St. Cajetan’s (online is available)
Untold Stories of Rachel Noel: Film and Panel Discussion
March 9
2-3:30 p.m.
The Rachel B. Noel Distinguished Visiting Professorship was initiated in 1981 to foster multiculturalism, diversity and academic excellence at MSU Denver. The professorship brings renowned scholars and artists of distinction to MSU Denver to conduct classes, seminars, performances and lectures for students, faculty members and the larger Denver population.
Mackie is an inventor, entrepreneur, author and former engineering professor who founded STEM NOLA, a nonprofit in New Orleans that has engaged more than 70,000 K-12 students in STEM activities.
A community reception is Tuesday night, and a campus keynote will be presented Wednesday morning.
The theme is “Stronger STEM, Stronger Society.”
Information on additional Black History Month events, including tri-institutional and student-centric events, is available on the Center for Multicultural Engagement and Inclusion website.
Events include:
Kickoff Spoken Word and Gospel Performances
Today
5 p.m.
St. Cajetan’s Event Center and via livestream on the CMEI Facebook page
Black Student Kick Back
Feb. 17
5:30 p.m.
Tivoli Student Union, Rooms 440/540
Lunch Hour Keynote with Terri Richardson M.D., followed by gentle chair yoga and guided meditation
Feb. 22
Noon
Tivoli Turnhalle
Brother to Brother Virtual Critical Discussion on Race
Feb. 23
Noon
Closing Remarks from MSU Denver student Bernadette McClair, followed by community blessing from local healers Senakhu and Doja Peju
Feb. 28
9 a.m.
CMEI Student Lounge, Jordan Student Success Building, Room 237