Throughout February, Stony Brook University hosts Black History Month, an annual tradition that celebrates the African American experience with educational, social and cultural programs that reflect the theme, Sankofa! Owning Your Own Narrative.
This year’s events begin with a Conversation With Spike Lee as part of the Presidential Lecture Series on Wednesday, February 5, from 1 pm to 2 pm at the Staller Center. Writer, director, producer, actor, author and educator Spike Lee revolutionized modern cinema through his many powerful films, such as She’s Gotta Have It, Do the Right Thing, Jungle Fever, Malcom X and Summer of Sam. In 2019 he won the Academy Award for best adapted screenplay for his film Black KKKlansman. Guided by your questions, Lee will discuss a range of topics, including aspects of his stellar career as a storyteller, current issues facing our nation, and ways in which students can develop their own authentic narratives in today’s sociopolitical climate. This event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. RSVP here
Black History Month is coordinated by the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Black History Month Committee. For more information, call (631) 632-9506.
Event Highlights
Wednesday, February 5
Presidential Lecture: Spike Lee, 1 to 2 pm, Staller Center, Main Stage
Opening Ceremony, 7:30 pm, Student Activities Center, Ballroom A
Monday, February 17
Thinking Inside the Box: The Truth Behind the Stereotypes, 7 pm to 8:30 pm, Student Activities Center, Room 306
Students will be introduced to pop culture icons and art that have stereotypical and racist undertones, then debunk and redefine them to represent the truth behind the characters. Students will then create their own “identity boxes.”
Wednesday, February 19
Black Museum, 12 pm to 4 pm, Student Activities Center, Ballroom B
The National Society of Black Engineer’s presents Black Museum, honoring the achievements and scientific work of African American scientists, engineers, mathematicians and inventors.
Saturday, February 22
Mashramani, 7 pm, Center for Leadership and Service
Mashramani is an annual celebration held in Guyana to commemorate the country becoming a republic in 1970. This will be a semi-formal event with student groups performing, music and food served.
Wednesday, February 26
Closing Ceremony, 7 pm to 9:30 pm, Student Activities Center, Ballroom A
Awards, student performances, winner of Spoken Word performance announced
For the complete list of events, visit the Black History Month website.
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