In honor of Black History Month, Waubonsee Community College is proud to unveil community programming during February to celebrate the many contributions that African American leaders have made to American history in their struggles for freedom and equality. These events are designed to provide enriching opportunities for all ages to experience Black culture and tradition. All events are open to the public and free unless noted.
- “Music Mondays” – is a celebration of African American musical contributions. Join us each Monday during February at 11 a.m. at the Sugar Grove Campus Student Center Café.
- “The Paramount Theatre’s Classic Movie Mondays” presents classics of modern cinema every Monday, with February films focusing on Black actors and directors. Watch on the two-story screen at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora, 23 East Galena Blvd. This discounted $1 movie screening will take you on a theatrical journey that includes “Do the Right Thing,” “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” “Black Panther,” and “Black Klansman.” Buy tickets at the door (cash only, $20 bills or less). Concessions are available for purchase. For showtimes and other details, visit paramountaurora.com/movies.
- “Waubonsee Wellness Drive” will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Aurora Downtown Campus. At this event, free health screenings will be offered, and more than 20 community-based organizations will be present. Attendees will receive free smoothies and parfaits plus free groceries from the Northern Illinois Food Bank while supplies last.
- “Chiefs Red Out” will be held on Saturday, Feb. 11 at the Sugar Grove Campus. In celebration of Black History Month, the West Aurora Gospel Choir will be singing the Black National Anthem before the women’s and men’s basketball games. Attendees will receive a red Waubonsee t-shirt (while supplies last) to show their Waubonsee pride at these games!
- “Student Engagement Fair” will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 14 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the Sugar Grove Campus. Student groups will be sharing information on how to get involved. In celebration of Black History Month, MaMaw’s Kitchen will be passing out free samples of soul food while supplies last. The Waubonsee Jazz Club will perform a medley of music from various black jazz artists.
- “The Emergence and Evolvement of Blues Music in American Culture” will be an enlightening discussion on Thursday, Feb. 16 exploring the history and origin of blues music in America. Musician and oral historian Fruteland Jackson will discuss the origin of blues and how it became the roots for another genre of music: rock and roll. Attendees will also enjoy a live performance by Fruteland Jackson. The lecture and performance will take place at 12:30 p.m. on the Sugar Grove Campus.
- “Real Talk About Black Mental Health” will be a virtual lecture led by Dr. Tonya Davis. The discussion will address disparities that exist for Blacks/African Americans regarding mental health and is aimed at empowering to help bridge the gaps, while providing tools related to mental health. The presentation will be offered via Zoom from 6 to 7 p.m.
- “Black History Month Bash,” in partnership with Waubonsee’s Transforming and Inspiring Undergraduate Men Pursuing Higher Education (TRIUMPH) program, will be on Wednesday, March 1. This event aims to encourage students and our community to continue learning and celebrating Black History every day, with a program full of music, giveaways and free soul food while supplies last. It takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sugar Grove Campus.
- “Gems of Black STEM” will be a month-long scavenger hunt held across Waubonsee’s four campuses from Feb. 1 through March 1. Participants are encouraged to take an adventure around Waubonsee’s campus to learn about outstanding Black professionals who have made a difference in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Winners and prizes will be announced.
“Black History Month celebrations are often viewed in a long-term historical context and sometimes real everyday black culture is overlooked,” said Marleigha Evans, Senior Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator at Waubonsee. “However, this year at Waubonsee, we are excited to offer a Black History Bash that will celebrate some of the best parts of black culture including music, dancing, togetherness, and of course food! We honor our history by living our best lives in the present.”
Visit waubonsee.edu/BlackHistoryMonth for more information and registration details.
