MCC kicks off Black History Month activities

McHenry County College in Crystal Lake is celebrating Black History Month with several educational events throughout this month.

This year's theme is "Black History is American History." Activities kicked off Feb. 5 with a cultural celebration featuring soul food. A panel discussion Monday focused on black heritage and experiences.

The festivities also include an art exhibit showcasing selected works from MCC's Portrait in Print Collection in the Epping Gallery of the college at 8900 Route 14.

The collection was gifted to the Friends of MCC Foundation by Mary and Charles Liebman. The exhibit includes several portraits of renowned black figures, including Martin Luther King Jr., Frederick Douglass, and Satchel Paige.

Students and staff members will present "We Are Family," an interactive discussion about the traditions and historical perspectives about family reunions in black history, from noon to 1 p.m. Feb. 20 in Room B166-167. MCC employees Sandra Moll and Adriane Hutchinson, dean of academic development, will facilitate the discussion.

On Feb. 27, MCC sociology instructor emeritus Mark Eckel will present "The Scholar Denied," a lecture about the life of W.E.B. DuBois, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in Room B166-167.

DuBois was a pioneering sociologist and historian who transformed scholarship about the Reconstruction Era and was an activist on behalf of blacks. He died in 1963 at age 95.

The monthlong observance caps off with a presentation on "Phenomenal Women: A Celebration!" from noon to 1 p.m. Feb. 28 in Room B166-167. MCC faculty, staff members and students will read short literary works by women of color, marking their contributions to literature and culture.

All Black History Month events are free and open to the public. For more information, call the Multicultural Affairs Office at (815) 479-7749 or email Elizabeth Rosiles at erosiles@mchenry.edu.