College of DuPage plans Black History Month activities

The College of DuPage Center for Diversity and Inclusion presents "Black Variations: Voice and Vision," a series of events to celebrate Black History Month.

Black History Month festivities begin Monday, Feb. 1, with the annual African-American Read-In. Guests readers are invited to share their personal stories or read selections from famous African-American authors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Services Center, Room 2201, on campus, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn.

Additional events include the Freedom Rider Traveling Exhibit on display Feb. 1 to 26 in the college's library. Sponsored by a partnership between the American Experience and the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, the exhibit highlights the 1961 Freedom Rides, offering a detailed narrative of the ride through archival photos and newspapers clippings. The documentary film "Freedom Riders" will be screened from noon to 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8, and from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, in the Student Services Center, Room 1200.

Activist Thomas Armstrong will discuss his experience in the early civil rights movement from 2 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, in the Student Services Center, Room 3245.

Sodexo, the college's campus food service, will offer a diverse sampling of African-American cuisine from noon to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 11, and Wednesday, Feb. 24, in the cafeteria.

In addition, the college's Africa and Africa Diaspora Committee will present a screening of "When We Were Kings" from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 22, in the Student Services Center, Room 2201, followed by a faculty-led discussion. This documentary explores the relationship between African-Americans and the African continent during the Black Power era in terms of both popular culture and international politics.

Other highlights include a demonstration for peace on Tuesday, Feb. 16; a poetry slam Thursday, Feb. 25; and a closing program featuring a live performance and exhibits Monday, Feb. 29.

For a full schedule of Black History Month events, visit cod.edu/bhm.