Black History Month 2022 at Furman

Furman University is celebrating Black History Month in a variety of ways throughout February.

The Center for Inclusive Communities (CIC) in conjunction with multiple campus organizations has developed a slate of events designed to showcase Black culture through historical reflection, community involvement, and social engagement. The following is a list of Furman’s Black History Month events:

Roll Call (Black History Month Kick Off)
A tabling event with all the Student Diversity Council (SDC) organizations. This event will highlight all SDC organizations to give first and second year students a chance to learn more about the organizations and the council. Black History Month calendars will be available.
Tuesday, February 1
4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
Trone Student Center Front Patio
Hosted by: Unity

Reflective Walk
Let’s walk together around Furman’s campus and talk along the way during a reflective walk. This walk will be centered on Black folks’ experiences at Furman and is a space for community and reflection. The walk will begin at the Place of Peace and conclude at the Trone Student Center. In order to make this experience impactful, space will be limited to 20 students. Please note any accessibility concerns during sign up. See individual flyer for additional details.
Sunday, February 6
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Walk begins at the Place of Peace
Sponsored by CIC; limited to 20 students

Gospel History Documentary
Join Furman University’s Gospel Ensemble (FUGE) as the history of Gospel music is revealed! A screening of the documentary “The Story of Gospel Music” will reveal the hidden meanings in many popular gospel hymns that are sung today.
Tuesday, February 8
7:30 p.m.
Harper Hall
Hosted by: FUGE

 Community Day
One of the more popular comments from current students is that they love the community at Furman. So we ask, “what does community mean to you?” Explore the concept and practice of community by being intentional with community. Be on the lookout for pop-up community events throughout the day.
Wednesday, February 9
All Day
Around Furman’s campus
Hosted by: Furman Justice Forum (FJF), Student Government Association (SGA), & CIC

Black Girl Enneagram
Interested in learning more about the Enneagram? This is the workshop for you! This session will be hosted in collaboration with Rev. Dr. Chelsea B. Yarborough, Assistant Professor of Liturgical Studies at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Rev. Dr. Yarborough is a certified Enneagram coach whose academic work uplifts and takes as central the concerns of Black women. See individual flyer for additional details and to sign up.
Wednesday, February 9
6 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Mauney Commons (Trone Student Center)
Sponsored by the CIC; limited to 15 students 

Homage Exhibit
Focusing on African American history and culture, the “Homage Exhibit Tour” features over 500 select items from the private collection of Nia and Morris McAdoo.  The exhibit includes original historical documents, artwork, newspapers, press photos, letters, books and more. The “Homage Exhibit” opens the door to the the African American experience in the United States from the time of Slavery to the election of Barack Obama. Highlights of the collection include slave transport collars, slave bills of sale, entertainment, legal papers documenting the horrors of the slave trade and original documents drawing attention to key figures such as Booker T. Washington, B.K. Blanche, Frederick Douglas and various artifacts from moments in the civil rights movement.
Thursday, February 10
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Thomas Room (Trone Student Center)
Hosted by: CIC

Health Equity and Empowerment Among Black Women 
This event assembles a panel of experts to discuss the impact of healthcare disparities and health inequities on African American women. The panel of experts will discuss this issue from medical, academic, and professional perspectives.
Thursday, February 10
5:30 p.m.
Furman Hall 214
Hosted by: Student League for Black Culture (SLBC)

CIC Monthly Drop In – Uplifting and Celebrating Black Women
Friday, February 11
12 p.m.-2 p.m.
CIC (Trone Student Center Suite 205)
Hosted by: CIC

Black Violin
Grammy®-nominated Black Violin is a musical duo comprised of violist Wil B.and violinist Kev Marcusthat combines classical training and hip-hop influences to create a distinctive multi-genre sound often described as “classical boom.” The pair uses their unique blend to challenge stereotypes and preconceived notions of what a classical musician looks and sounds like, all while encouraging people of all ages, races, and economic backgrounds to join together and break down cultural barriers. (Description from the Peace Center). See the individual flyer for additional details and to sign up.
Thursday, February 17
7:30 p.m.
Peace Center
Sponsored by the CIC; limited to 20 students

Don’t Break the Stroll Line
Nine Black sororities and fraternities were found at a time when African American students were not allowed to join similar social organizations on college campuses. American universities were not very inclusive of African Americans during the early 1900s which led African American students on college campuses to create a social organization that was a safe space for them. This exposes students to the social significance of Black Greek Letter Organizations. This event assembles a panel of three faculty that are members of Black Greek Organizations such as Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. , Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. , and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.. They will discuss the significance of Black Greek Organizations while reflecting on their own experiences as members of these organizations.
Tuesday, February 23
6 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Watkins Room
Hosted by: the Rho Zeta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Xi Omega Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. 

Spades Night
Think you have a partner and can’t get set? Bet. Join us  for a game night that gets Trone lit! Don’t know how to play spades? No problem! We will have other games along with food and fellowship.
Wednesday, February 23
5:30 p.m.-8 p.m.
Trone Student Center Hill Atrium
Hosted by: CIC, Black Faculty & Staff Association (BFSA), the Furman University chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)

 Black Panther
This event will feature a Black Panther Party Member share the history, philosophy, organization, political orientation, and the significance of the Black Panther Movement. This event offers an important cultural and historical insight into the Black Power movement that many African Americans participated in and still support stemming from the traditional civil rights movement. This component of the movement is often neglected or minimized. Also, there are many misconceptions about the Black Panther Party and black power movement because of the way media portrayed these revolutionaries at the height of these movements. This event will provide insight into the movement and their place in American History.
Thursday, February 24
6 p.m.
Burgiss Theater
Hosted by: NAACP, CIC

Yard Show Celebration
This event will be a chance for Furman students to be exposed to a sector of Black culture. The event will include food trucks, vendors, and a yard show will conclude the event. Our two Black Greek Letter Organizations, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., will perform alongside organizations from surrounding institutions.
Friday, February 25
4 p.m.-8 p.m.
Joseph Vaughn Plaza
Hosted by: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., SDC, NAACP, SDC, and CIC

To learn more about the student organizations listed above, visit this webpage: https://www.furman.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion/inclusive-communities/student-organizations/.

Please check the Furman University Cultural Life Program calendar for CLP status. All events are open to the campus community with the exception of the sponsored events. Please follow all COVID protocols for indoor events and mask as appropriate for outdoor events. For more information, please contact Jocelyn Boulware Bruce at (864)294-2096 or jocelyn.boulware4@furman.edu.