February is Black History Month! Every February we celebrate the enduring spirit and achievements of the African American community. This celebration happens in February because it’s the birth month of two of the most consequential figures in the liberation of Black Americans: Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. At Rio Salado College, we’re proud to celebrate BHM and- along with our sister schools in the Maricopa Community Colleges District- will be hosting BHM events this month to engage with our community and continue an important dialogue about the need for equity and inclusion across all strata of society.
The roots of this national observance go back to 1926 when American historian Carter G. Woodson established a Black History Week. Thanks to the efforts of Woodson and generations of African-American activists, demand grew to expand this week-long celebration of Black History into something more expansive. Colors based on the Ethiopian and Pan-African flag are often displayed and worn during the month of February. These colors are black (representing resilience), red (the blood shed by African-Americans and their ancestors), yellow (justice and optimism), and green (fertility and the lushness of nature).
Learn More About Black History Month
Want to learn more about BHM? Our library staff have put together an informative and entertaining guide to BHM that’s full of video links, articles, and other resources to give you a deeper understanding of the many cultural, political, scientific, and historical contributions the African-American community have made.
Upcoming BHM Events
Black Male Leaders in Higher Education
Feb. 13 2-3 p.m.
Virtual
Join us for a powerful virtual event designed to showcase the achievements, challenges, and lived experiences of Black male leaders in academia. Through their journeys, Keith Whitfield, Will White, Daron Finley, Ulysses Allen, and Dr. Lamont Slater will share their insights into overcoming systemic barriers and excelling in higher education. This discussion will not only inspire students, educators and administrators, but also provide actionable recommendations for creating a more inclusive academic environment for Black students.
This event will delve into crucial topics such as personal resilience, mentorship and institutional accountability, aiming to empower Black students and advocate for effective support strategies.
Bars and Beyond: Unpacking Kendrick Lamar's Revolutionary Song
Feb. 20 - 12-1:30 p.m.
Virtual
Join Paradise Valley Community College for a dynamic virtual panel during Black History Month, featuring students, faculty, and staff as they delve into Kendrick Lamar's powerful lyrics as a form of modern-day activism. Together, panelists will explore how Kendrick’s music confronts dissonant narratives about respect for Black bodies, and inspires intentional reflection through art, poetry, and storytelling. All are welcome to join this engaging virtual discussion highlighting the intersection of music, culture, and advocacy, celebrating the transformative impact of Kendrick Lamar’s work.
This event is open to all MCCCD students and employees as well as local community members in celebration of Black History Month.
Panelists:
- Tafari Osayande (Rio Salado College)
- Dr. Anthony Pratcher (Northern Arizona University)
- Mary Bankhead (Paradise Valley Community College)
- Chris Oreoluwa (Paradise Valley Community College)
- Kevin Smith (Paradise Valley Community College)
The Descendent: A Journey Through History
Feb. 26 - 1-2 p.m.
Virtual
Join us for an engaging exploration of The Descendant, a powerful narrative that illuminates the journey and resilience of the African diaspora. This event features a conversation where we’ll delve into themes of identity, legacy and empowerment. Following the discussion, we’ll have the unique opportunity to connect historical insights with present-day realities through a dialogue with Featured Speaker: Mr. Darron Patterson, from the acclaimed Netflix documentary Descendant.
Don’t miss this chance to reflect, learn and engage in meaningful conversation about the enduring impact of history on our lives today.
Check Out Our Past Events
Each year Rio Salado has put on different programming to celebrate African-American history and culture. Check out these articles about some of our recent DEIB programming.
- Rio Salado Celebrated MLK Day With Speeches And Lively Discussions
- Rio’s Black History Month Panel Talked About Inspiration, Education, & Belonging
- DEIB Recap: Dr. Pollard
Article by Austin Brietta