Celebrating Black History Month at Elon
Observed every February, Black History Month recognizes the achievements and struggles of Black people. It is a time to celebrate Black history and culture, as well as the many individuals who have contributed to the ongoing fight for equality.
Every year since 1976, the president of the United States has endorsed a different theme for Black History Month. This year's national theme is “Black Resistance,” in recognition of the African-American community’s historic and ongoing resistance to systemic oppression in all forms.
Elon University also chooses a theme each year that determines Black History Month celebrations on campus. This year's theme is “The Black Renaissance: Revive, Reclaim, Rejoice.”
Elon’s Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity Education (CREDE) is hosting a series of events to celebrate this year’s Black History Month. In accordance with Elon’s theme of Black Renaissance, these events are designed to educate the Elon community on the intellectual and cultural elements of Black history.
These elements include Black music, art and dance. Though some events have already passed, there is still plenty of time to join in on the celebrations. Here is what CREDE has planned for the remainder of February.
Racist Roots Screening — February 16
Stop by downtown Burlington’s Paramount Theater on Thursday, February 16 to watch a screening of the short film “Racist Roots.” The 25-minute film will begin at 7 p.m. and admission is free of charge. Released as the Black Lives Matter movement swept the country in 2020, “Racist Roots” explores the racist origins of North Carolina’s death penalty.
This powerful film illustrates how the North Carolina death penalty is rooted in slavery, lynching and racism. While providing a harrowing but crucial reminder of our nation’s dark history, the film advocates for structural reform within North Carolina’s criminal and legal systems.
Carnaval Celebration — February 21
At 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 21, CREDE invites you to celebrate Carnaval in the Moseley Student Center’s McKinnon Hall. This event celebrates Afro-Latinx culture across Latin America and the Caribbean and will feature cultural performances, activities and food. Carnaval is a colorful and joyous event that is celebrated across the United States and in many countries throughout South America.
While Carnaval has Catholic origins, it has developed into a cultural celebration with traditions that are deeply rooted in the common West African heritage of the Afro-Latinx populations across the African diaspora. In addition to interactive cultural elements, Elon’s Carnaval will examine the diversity of Carnaval’s various celebratory traditions.
Black Solidarity Conference — February 24
Founded in 1969 by Brooklyn College’s Professor Carlos Russel, Black Solidarity Day demonstrates the collective strength and political power of the Black community. Recognized annually on November 2nd, Black Solidarity Day encourages African American people across the country to refrain from going to work, school or participating in commercial activities such as shopping.
This conference is meant to underline the racial injustices and structural inequalities which permeate American society to this day. With reverence to these ideals, Elon’s Black Solidarity Conference works to build solidarity among African American students, faculty and staff by providing the space to explore identity and intersectionality. The conference will be held in Moseley’s McKinnon Hall from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, February 24.
Black History Month Dance Performance — February 24-25
From February 24 to 25, Elon’s Department of Performing Arts will be screening a dance performance dedicated to the ethos of both Black History Month and Black Renaissance. This year’s performance will explore the themes of love, resistance and joy within the context of Black History. The performance will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday the 24 and 2 p.m. on Saturday the 25 in McCrary Theatre.
