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Guest speakers, film screenings and other special events will be a part of Owens Community College’s Black History Month observance.
“Owens Community College is proud to celebrate Black History Month by honoring and recognizing the many achievements and contributions black Americans have made to shape and define our country,” said Chris Giordano, Owens Dean of Student Life. “I encourage area residents to engage themselves in Owens’ various events surrounding Black History Month and draw inspiration from their important messages.”
Events include:
Feb. 7: Black History and Culture Discussion With Ohio Sen. Edna Brown, 10 a.m., Audio/Visual Classroom Center rooms 127-128.
Brown will offer insight into the past, present and future of diversity in America based on her own personal accounts. Brown, elected to serve Toledo and Ohio’s 11th Senate District in November, comes from the Ohio House of Representatives, where she represents Ohio’s 48th House District. Since her arrival in the General Assembly, Brown has worked tirelessly on issues of voting rights, health, violence against women and economic development.
Feb. 8: “Ballou” Documentary Film Screening and Discussion, 2 p.m., College Hall Room 100.
The 86-minute documentary provides insight into the Ballou Senior High School Marching Band from Washington, D.C. and their journey from band camp to the National High Stepping Marching Band Competition in Birmingham, Ala. Throughout their journey, the marching band had to overcome many obstacles highlighted by a negative community environment filled with guns, drugs and violence to reach their goals. The film screening will be followed with an open discussion with marching band director Darrell Watson.
Feb. 10: “Achieving Success” Lecture Presentation With Toledo Mayor Michael Bell, 11 a.m., Audio/Visual Classroom Center Rooms 127-128.
Toledo Mayor Michael Bell will offer an inspirational message about overcoming obstacles and achieving success in pursuit of personal goals. During the presentation, the mayor will share with the audience his own personal experiences and how they played a significant role in achieving his own success. Bell’s career in public service began in 1980 when he joined the Toledo Department of Fire and Rescue as a firefighter and later became a certified paramedic/EMT. In 1990, he was appointed as Chief of the Toledo and Rescue Department. Bell was the first African American as well as the youngest person ever to lead the organization. He remained in that position for over 16 years until he was appointed State Fire Marshal by Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland in 2007. Bell has served the Northwest Ohio community through countless civic organizations.
Feb. 24 College Conjuring – Deception 101 Tour With Ran’D Shine, 12 p.m., Student Health and Activities Center.
Awarding-winning performer, producer and educator of magic Ran’D Shine will offer an amazing display of his magical talents as well as share insight into his life as an artist, teacher and an African-American male.
Throughout February, Owens library will display a variety of African-American heritage information and will feature a selection of books and audio/visual materials related to Black History Month.
How it began…
To celebrate and honor the contributions made by African Americans throughout America’s history, longtime black history advocate Dr. Carter G. Woodson introduced Negro History Week to the country in 1926. Later changed to Black History Week, the observance was extended in 1976 to a month-long celebration occurring in February and renamed Black History Month.
For more information about Owens’ Black History Month activities, call 1-800-GO-OWENS, ext. 7421.
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