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Black History Month 2024

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February marks Black History Month, a time to celebrate the contributions of Black Americans in this country; a time to acknowledge the lasting achievements of the people of the African diaspora who have shaped American history; and a time to walk alongside today’s Black leaders as they lead the work to create a truly anti-racist, inclusive community for all.

At CCRI, we strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable college for all our community members. It is that commitment to inclusivity that drives us to continually reflect on our efforts to lead and serve in times of racial injustice, discrimination, and social inequities.  Our students, faculty, and staff understand that we, as individuals and as a collective group, must acknowledge and study our past to better understand our present, so that we can make progress toward a more just future.

This month and every month, let’s celebrate Black History with optimism for the future and continue to embrace the diversity that defines our college and our community. We encourage you to participate in the many events* taking place at our college with leading Black voices to recognize the work, culture, and history of Black people in Rhode Island and beyond.    

*Events added throughout the month. Please check back for additional events or visit our Student Engagement webpage for additional information. 
 

Curated Book Selection
📅 Thursday, February 1–Thursday, February 29
📍 CCRI Library at each campus

Books from the CCRI Library collection that highlight specific aspects of Black History, notable members of the Black community (past and present), and/or different aspects of Black culture will be selected and put on display at each CCRI Library location. These books are available to borrow from the CCRI Library. Anyone interested in borrowing a book on display should ask for assistance at the Circulation or Reference Desk.

Celebrating Black Authors Book Display & Raffle
📅 Thursday, February 1–Thursday, February 29
📍 Various locations at each campus

Enter for a chance to win a book recommended by a member of the CCRI English Department faculty that celebrates Black History Month. Books will be on display at the Warwick Campus English Department Office, Providence Campus Atrium, Lincoln Campus Faculty Offices, and the Newport County Campus in addition to raffle slips to win a free book from the recommended selection. Winners will be selected February 29.

Brown Bag Lunch and Lecture: Politics and Public Policy for Environmental Justice at DEM
📅 Monday, February 5
⏰ 1 pm
📍 Warwick Campus Room 4080

Special presentation from DEM Director Terry Gray and DEM Climate Justice Specialist Chris Gaynor on how DEM is prioritizing environmental justice inside and outside the agency.

Music Bingo
📅 Tuesday, February 6
⏰ 11 am–1 pm
📍 Newport County Campus Atrium

Play music bingo in celebration of Black History Month! Genres will focus on hip hop, rap, jazz, R&B, and more. Win prizes and enjoy light snacks and refreshments! All students are welcome to attend.

Inclusive Excellence Campaign Day 1: JEDI-B Action Plan Overview
📅 Thursday, February 15
⏰ 11 am–1 pm
📍Warwick Campus Room 4104

Hosted by the Office of OD & DEI, this event is an overview of the JEDI-B Action Plan, how departments of the college can help drive inclusive excellence, and an overview of the inclusive excellence framework.

Jazz, Shakespeare, and Social Justice
📅 Friday, February 16
⏰ 3 pm
📍 Warwick Campus Bobby Hackett Theatre

CCRI alumni Daniel Hill and Jay Are Adams join the college's Jazz Ensemble for a special concert performance presented by CCRI's Performing Arts Department. Adams is the creator of Social Justice Shakespeare and an adjunct faculty member at the college while Hill is a renowned jazz pianist. 

Honoring Former R.I. Senator Charles Walton & Community Business Exhibit
📅 Tuesday, February 20
⏰ 10 am–1 pm
📍Liston Campus Atrium

Tables with local Black-owned businesses and a campus visit from Charles Walton, former Director of Minority Recruitment & Retention at CCRI and Rhode Island’s first Black State Senator.

What’s the Tea? A Conversation with Amber Jackson, Owner of Black Leaf Tea + Culture Shop
📅 Tuesday, February 20
⏰ 11:30 am–12:30 pm
📍 Warwick Student Union 

Amber Jackson launched the Black Leaf Tea + Culture Shop in 2019 to share her love for tea, celebrate Black culture, and engage with the community by hosting Young Black Professionals Mixers and Tea Talks. Join us for a cup of tea and a conversation about her passion for tea, running a business in RI, and the ways Amber celebrates Black culture.

Brown Bag Lunch and Lecture: Politics and Public Policy for Communities of Color
📅 Tuesday, February 20
⏰ 11:30 am
📍 Warwick Campus Lower Commons

State Senator Jonathon Acosta (District 16, Central Falls, Pawtucket), co-chair of the Rhode Island Black, Latino, Indigenous, Asian-American, and Pacific Islander Caucus (RIBLIA); and State Senator Tiara Mack (District 6, Providence), a member of the caucus, will discuss their work as legislators, the role of RIBLIA, and key legislation from the General Assembly’s current and most recent sessions.

Inclusive Excellence Campaign Day 2: Cultural Competence Workshop
📅 Wednesday, February 21
⏰ 9–11 am
📍Liston Campus Atrium

Hosted by the Office of OD & DEI, this workshop discusses cultural competence development focusing on identity awareness, cultural humility, and cultivating cultural safety by creating inclusive spaces.

Black Health and Wellness
📅 Wednesday, February 21
⏰ 11 am–1 pm
📍Liston Campus Atrium 

Mental and physical health specialists will be featured on campus to open dialogues with the community on microaggressions, healing, healthy eating habits, and longevity.

Celebrating Black Music and Artists
📅 Thursday, February 22
⏰ 11 am–1 pm
📍Liston Campus Atrium 

Providence-based artists and musicians will showcase and perform their work, with focus on positivity, affirmations, and resilience through times of hardship.

BIPOC Business Expo
📅 Tuesday, February 27
⏰ 11 am–1 pm
📍Warwick Campus Great Hall

Explore exhibitors, network with vendors, and learn from an expert panel of BIPOC business owners.

Black History Trivia
📅 Wednesday, February 28
⏰ 11:30 am–12:30 pm
📍Providence Campus Atrium or virtual

Join us for a game of trivia as we celebrate the rich history and contributions of Blacks/African Americans in America. Play solo or with friends. Have fun, enjoy snacks, and win prizes! You can also join us virtually via Zoom.

The Power of Maps
📅 Wednesday, February 28
⏰ 12:30–1:30 pm
📍Warwick Campus Room 4080

Learn how ArcGIS (digital mapmaking) can reveal the long and complex history of slavery and abolitionism in Rhode Island from colonial times to the Civil War in addition to information about CCRI's new ArcGIS certificate program, which will start in Fall 2024.

Inclusive Excellence Campaign Day 3: Inclusive Awareness and Practices
📅 Wednesday, February 28
⏰ 1–3 pm
📍TBD

This training session, hosted by the Office of OD & DEI, focuses on best practices in higher education to create an active culture of inclusivity in addition to language, leadership, and psychological safety.

Cultural Sensitivity and DEI in the Context of Sexual Violence and Intimate Partner Violence Prevention
📅 Thursday, February 29
⏰ 1–3:30 pm
📍Virtual

Hosted by CCRI's Human Services Department, this online discussion will be led by Day One RI Training and Outreach Coordinator Marlaydis Halloway and Prevention Coordinator Aleia Gardner. Pre-registration is required.

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