February is Black History Month! At Rio Salado College, we’re proud of all our African American colleagues, students, and community members. As an institution dedicated to fostering an environment of diversity, equity, and belonging for our community, we encourage everyone to honor the spirit of this month and learn more about the rich history and vibrant culture of African Americans. This is a perfect time to commemorate their great achievements and to reflect on the trials and tribulations they were forced to endure.
Learn About Black History Month
African American history and culture is vast. It’s hard to know where to start if you want to gain a deeper understanding. That’s why our library staff have put together an informative guide for Black History Month that offers knowledge and resources that can broaden your horizons and enhance your knowledge about the crucial contributions African Americans have made. In this year’s guide, you will find a recommended reading list, songs, poems, historical information, and even a list of local events (including events hosted by our sister colleges) you can attend throughout the month.
Join Us Feb. 26
Join us for the Resilience and Brilliance: The Power of Black Women in Higher Education Panel, hosted by Rio Salado College.
We invite you to connect and be inspired from 2 to 3 p.m. on Feb. 26, 2024, to celebrate the impact and achievements of Black women in academia. This panel will bring together a dynamic group of leaders and educators to discuss their experiences, challenges, and triumphs within higher education.
The event will begin with a virtual panel discussion, open to all students, employees, and
community members. Engage with our speakers and gain valuable insights into the
roles and contributions of Black women on our campuses and beyond.
Please add 2 to 3 p.m. Feb. 26 to your calendar. Register today.
Stay Tuned
Looking for more recommendations on books, records, and films to enjoy during BHM? Keep an eye on our site. Later this month we’ll be running a blog offering our BHM cultural recommendations. To give you a sneak peek at what’s in this year’s list, here are a few things to get your BHM started off right:
- Book:
They Can't Kill Us Until They Kill Us by Hanif Adurraqib. A moving collection of essays that covers a wide range of topics. Adurraqib applies his great wit and poetic style to discussions about Bruce Springsteen, terror attacks, Carly Rae Jepson, police brutality, the Islamic experience in America, and his reflections on love and loss.
- Film:
Do the Right Thing (Spike Lee, 1989). Perhaps the greatest American film of the 1990’s (and on the short list for best films made by an American filmmaker in any decade), this beautifully shot film covers one hot summer day in a neighborhood full of memorable characters. A film bursting with life, Lee’s masterpiece is both comedy and tragedy, telling the stories of dozens of characters and bringing them all together for a heartbreaking climax.
- Record:
Fatigue by L'Rain. This critically acclaimed 2021 album from the experimental singer-songwriter finds her weaving together pop music, psychedelia, jazz, noise, and enough touches of gospel and soft rock to create an atmospheric, primordial soup to seep yourself in. As enveloping as a rainstorm, Fatigue thrills and soothes by equal measure.