Black History Month at UW-Milwaukee offers a look into the present lives, rich history and diverse perspectives of African Americans and the African diaspora. Events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.
The schedule includes:
Through Feb. 21:
“FREEDOM RIDERS”
Exhibit celebrating the 50th anniversary of the “Freedom Riders.”
UWM Libraries, Daniel M. Soref Learning Commons, 2311 E. Hartford Ave. The exhibit is a companion to the May PBS broadcast of the American Experience film “Freedom Riders,” directed by Stanley Nelson. (Screening and talkback on Feb. 14 are listed below.). Library Fourth Floor Conference Center: Also on view is an exhibit drawn from UWM Libraries digital collection “March On Milwaukee: Civil Rights History Project.”
BLACK STUDENT UNION LEADERSHP SEMINAR
6:30 p.m., UWM Union, room 345 b and c Designed to help people recognize and develop leadership skills and learn how to work with other people.
LYRICAL SANCTUARY OPEN MIC
8 p.m., UWM Union Alumni Fireside Lounge All aspiring and accomplished poets, spoken-word artists, singers and other performers are welcome. Visual art by Ras Ammar Nsorma and live music by Urban Sol keep the night flowing in honor of Black History Month. 414-229-3894.
Monday, Feb. 14:
THE CRISIS IN EDUCATION
6-8:30 p.m., UWM Union Ballroom Panel discussion focusing on the current reality of students at UWM.
Mondays, Feb. 14, 21 & 28:
SIXTH ANNUAL AFRICAN AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL
All films shown at 6:30 p.m. in the UWM Union Theatre Feb. 14: “Freedom Riders.” Powerful and inspirational story of more than 400 Black and White Americans who risked their lives and endured brutal treatment traveling together through the Deep South during the civil rights movement in the 1960s. Through testimonies from the Freedom Riders themselves, state and federal government officials, and journalists who witnessed the rides firsthand, this awardwinning film features the experiences of those trying to fight racial injustice through nonviolent activism. Executive Producer Mark Samels will be present for a post-screening discussion.
Feb. 21: “Soundtrack for a Revolution.” The story of the American civil rights movement told through the powerful music and freedom songs of the time. Featuring new performances of these songs by top contemporary artists, riveting archival footage and interviews with civil rights foot soldiers and leaders.
Feb. 28: “The Neo-African- Americans.” Explores redefining the term “African American” as millions of America’s black population are foreignborn immigrants from Caribbean and African nations. Filmmaker Kobina Aidoo will be present for a post-screening discussion.
Wednesday, Feb. 16:
ASPECTS OF CANADIAN SLAVERY
6-8:30 p.m., Mitchell Hall, room 361, 3203 N. Downer Ave.
Presentation by Visiting Professor Charmaine Nelson, art historian of the African Diaspora, Department of Africology
Thursday, Feb. 17:
FOR MY PEOPLE: FILMS HONORING THE LEGACY OF AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN PIONEERS MARGARET WALKER AND IDA B. WELLSBARNETT
12-1:30 p.m., UWM Union Multicultural Student Lounge, room W198
“For My People: The Life & Writing of Margaret Walker,” 12-12:30 p.m. and “Ida B. Wells: A Passion for Justice,” 12:30-1:30 p.m. Two films explore the lives of outstanding African American women. Margaret Walker has been described by Nikki Giovanni as the “most famous person nobody knows,” who “single-handedly [turned] poetry upside down with her declaration of love and her challenge to the future of her people.” The story of Ida B. Wells documents the dramatic life and turbulent times of this pioneering AfricanAmerican journalist, activist, suffragist and anti-lynching crusader of the post-Reconstruction period. 414-229-2852.
Thursday, Feb. 17:
THE NEED FOR HEALING WITHIN AFRICAN AMERICAN FEMALE AND MALE RELATIONSHIPS
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Curtin Hall, room 109, 3243 N. Downer Ave. Presentation by Associate Professor of Africology Doreatha D. Mbalia and Ahmed Mbalia, senior lecturer in Africology.
Monday, Feb. 21:
AFRICAN JEOPARDY: A GAME OF HISTORICAL INQUIRY OF AFRICAN AMERICAN FEMALE AND MALE RELATIONSHIPS
6-8 p.m., UWM Union West Ballroom
