Entrepreneur/educator Christopher Mitchell to speak at Jan. 27 ECC Black History Month kickoff breakfast
Elgin Community College's celebration of Black History Month begins with a keynote address by Christopher Mitchell, an entrepreneur, artist and educator, at the kickoff breakfast on Friday, Jan. 27. The event will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. in the Building E Dining Room at the college, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.
Mitchell works at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb as a CHANCE Program counselor and primarily assists students within the majors of engineering and music. He is also a coordinator for NIU's PROMISE Scholars program, where he creates and facilitates events for students within STEM majors. Mitchell admits, counsels, teaches and supports all students within their college education.
Beyond NIU, Mitchell is an entrepreneur who is establishing his own clothing line. He is also a fashion stylist, wardrobe consultant, photographer and a passionate motivational speaker.
Seating is limited and tickets for the breakfast can be purchased for $5 for students and $10 for community members at tickets.elgin.edu.
Other events during Black History Month include the following:
• African-American Read-In from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, at Building B, Room B180 (Heritage Room). Readers throughout ECC and the community are invited to read works by African-American writers - or their own personal work - for all to enjoy.
• African-American Spring Connection from 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, in Building C, Room C120. All new African-American students are welcome to connect with faculty, staff, and peers during this informal networking event to learn about campus resources that support success. Enjoy free food, music and raffle prizes. Open to all ECC students.
• "The 15-Second Rule" from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, in the Spartan Auditorium, Building G, Room G100. What is it like being black in 2017? Join a fully interactive performance to learn more about the black experience in America.
• "REAL TALK: In Love with My #Selfie" from 3 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, in Jobe Lounge, Building B. Discover ways to promote healing, wellness and love within ourselves and the black community during this event.
• "Stereotypes: Cultural Influence and Black Firsts" from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15, in Jobe Lounge, Building B. An illustration that explores the impact of African-American culture on everything from politics to music and the arts, sports and entertainment, social attitudes, and more.
• "We Are the Ones We've Been Waiting For" from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, in Room B181 (Community Room), Building B. Civic action or inaction impacts us all. How have public policy decisions impacted black communities? Come learn about what we can do to create change in our communities.
• Hip-Hop History Field Trip on Thursday, Feb. 23. All students are welcome to attend a field trip to the DuSable Museum of African-American History in Chicago for "Breakin' It Down: Hip-Hop History," an interactive performance that focuses on the history of various hip-hop dance styles. The cost is $6 per person. They will depart from ECC at 9:30 a.m. Contact Anitra King at aking@elgin.edu to attend. Space is limited.
• "Reaching for Your Star: Closeout Ceremony" from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, in Spartan Auditorium, Building G, Room G100. This event will commemorate all the events held in February as part of Black History Month 2017 and celebrate the shining accomplishments of black students on campus.
All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. For more information, call the Office of Student Life at (847) 214-7078.