Oregon State University is celebrating Black History Month with a host of free virtual events that highlight the achievements and struggles of African-Americans from the past to the present.
The following is a selection of the events:
Cabildos Speaker Series: Carmen Thompson, On American Whiteness and Anti-Blackness: Towards and Understanding of Race in America:
Carmen P. Thompson is an independent scholar and historian of race and the Black experience. Thompson is a visiting scholar in the Black Studies department at Portland State University, and is working on her book “The Making of American Whiteness,” which examines the origins of Whiteness in America. The talk and others in the series are sponsored by the School of History, Philosophy, and Religious Studies and anonymous donors to the history program at Oregon State. Her talk will take place from 4-5:30 p.m., Feb. 10. To register: https://beav.es/JY9
Black Minds Matter: A Mental Health Conversation:
This last year has been a whirlwind for all – but those who identify as Black have endured experiences that have tested their strength and resilience. Hear from Keith Dempsey, an OSU alumnus, as he discusses the triumphs and challenges of mental health and wellness among the Black community. Dempsey is an associate professor and department chair in the graduate counseling program at George Fox University. Hosted in partnership with the Lonnie B. Harris Black Cultural Center, the discussion takes place at 5:30 p.m., Feb. 11. To participate: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMrcO6tqD8uG9PbanIhqYuipyRR-nXCME34
Anthropology Lecture Series: All Lives Don’t Matter and Democracy is Under Assault – A Perspective on Convergent Pandemics:
The OSU School of Language, Culture and Society Anthropology Lecture Series presents “All Lives Don’t Matter and Democracy is Under Assault – A Perspective on Convergent Pandemics” with guest lecturer Faye Harrison from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The analysis looks at COVID-19, racism and the erosion of political legitimacy and accountability. The lecture takes place from noon to 1 p.m., Feb. 19. Zoom link: https://beav.es/Jqi
Navigating Education and Student Success:
At a primarily white institution, people of color are faced with unique challenges that can impact their school experience. Hear from Joakina Stone and Dorian Smith, both alumni of Oregon State, as they discuss the topic of navigating education and student success with perspectives and thoughts for K-12 through college. Stone is senior relationship manager for academic support and student services for the United Negro College Fund STEM Scholars Program. Smith is assistant director of Black Student Access and Success at Oregon State. The discussion takes place at 5:30 p.m., Feb. 25. To register: https://beav.es/JWg
Cabildos Speaker Series: Danielle Terrazas Williams – Who Dared to Question the Word of a Priest? Free Black Women and Social Capital in 17th Century Mexico:
Danielle Terrazas Williams is assistant professor of history at Oberlin College. Her work focuses on African-descended women in colonial Mexico. The talk takes place from 4-5:30 p.m., Feb. 26. Register for link to view at: https://bea.es/JgT
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