The African-American Experience in Missouri Inaugural Lecture: Interim Vice Chancellor for Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Chuck Henson addresses Jesse Auditorium at the beginning of the "Contesting Slavery: Enslaved Missourians’ Enduring Struggle for Self Determination" presentation Feb. 3. "I hope as we celebrate our history, we will cease to fear our history," he said. Photo by Tanzi Propst.
Throughout February, the University of Missouri celebrated black history and culture with community-building events. Highlights included live musical performances (jazz, hip-hop, gospel!), film screenings, literary readings, art talks, lectures and discussions. Here's a look at a few great moments.
The African-American Experience in Missouri Inaugural Lecture: Traci Wilson-Kleekamp watches as her friend, UMKC Professor Diane Mutti Burke, signs a copy of On Slavery's Border: Missouri's Small Slaveholding Households, 1815-1865 Feb. 3, in the foyer of Jesse Hall. Photo by Tanzi Propst.
Meklit Hadero Music and Art: San-Francisco-based Ethiopian-American artist Meklit Hadero leads her band in a musical performance that highlights the art installation “Braiding As Sculpture” Feb. 23 at the Corner Playhouse. Photo by Tanzi Propst.
Black Life, Hip Hop, Activism: Performance and conversation with hip hop artist/activist Jasiri X Feb. 19, in Leadership Auditorium. Photo by Morgan Lieberman.
Nikole Hannah-Jones speaks to journalism students Feb 9. She was named Journalist of the Year by the National Association of Black Journalists and named as one of The Root 100, the top 100 most influential African-Americans forging new paths in politics, social justice, science and sports. Photo by Morgan Lieberman.
A Musical Tribute to Thomas Hart Benton: Orrin Evans' Captain Black Big Band plays a tribute to Missouri artist Thomas Hart Benton Feb. 4 in the Missouri Theatre. Photo by Tanzi Propst.
A Musical Tribute to Thomas Hart Benton: Orrin Evans' Captain Black Big Band plays a tribute to Missouri artist Thomas Hart Benton Feb. 4, in the Missouri Theatre. Photo by Tanzi Propst.
Founders of #BlackLivesMatter: Alicia Garza, left, a co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement, laughs with Opal Tometi at the beginning of a panel discussion Feb. 18. "Maybe we can get rid of the binaries of right and wrong and focus on what'll set us free," Garza said. Photo by Tanzi Propst.
ZouSoul Concert: The Shack was packed with students Feb. 1. The ZouSoul Concert featured performances dedicated to the history of black popular music. Photo by Morgan Lieberman.
ZouSoul Concert: Amuche Nwafor reads a poem as the first performer of the night at The Shack. Photo by Morgan Lieberman.
Proscenium: Film screening and discussion with director Allison Harrison. Proscenium is a short film set in the historic Ward Theatre, one of Jamaica’s most iconic cultural landmarks, long abandoned in downtown Kingston. Photo by Morgan Lieberman.
