Black History Month
2020 Calendar of Events
Radical Revisionists Exhibition
Ongoing through February | Moody Center for the Arts
Sponsor: Moody Center for the Arts
Radical Revisionists: Contemporary African Artists Confronting Past and Present features works by artists from Africa and the Diaspora who problematize Eurocentric tropes of race, representation and prevailing colonial narratives. The exhibition addresses the violent erasure of marginalized histories and the ways in which artists reinterpret familiar themes through contemporary, Afrocentric lenses.
Black History Night vs. North Texas
Saturday, February 1st at 2:00 PM | Tudor Fieldhouse
Sponsors: Association of Rice University Black Alumni and Department of Athletics
The Association of Rice University Black Alumni (ARUBA) is partnering with Rice Athletics to host a Black History Month themed game vs. North Texas. Alumnae Charlene Sadberry-Tombar will sing the national anthem. This game is being held in conjunction with Athletics’ annual post-game basketball clinic. Please purchase tickets using the special link provided and 20% of sales will be donated to ARUBA.
Black Women’s Appreciation Luncheon
Sunday, February 2nd at 1:00 PM | Rice Memorial Center Grand Hall
Sponsor: Black Male Leadership Initiative
Each year, the Black Male Leadership Initiative host an event to share their appreciation for Black women. There will be a catered meal, individual performances, and empowering keynote address made by Caroline Bennett of Caroline Inspires. The community of Black people at Rice is stronger when we uplift one another, and we believe this recognition should be made public to Black women with love.
A Special Gathering of Men
Friday, February 7th at 12:00 PM | Cohen House
Sponsor: Black Male Leadership Initiative
This special luncheon is an intentional effort to connect men from the Black Male Leadership Initiative to Black male faculty, staff, alumni, and administrators. The goal is to foster connections that will lead to new relationships and expanded support network at Rice University.
Africayé Cultural Show: Coming to Africa!
Sunday, February 9th at 5:00 PM | Rice Memorial Center Grand Hall
Sponsor: Rice African Student Association and the Office of Multicultural Affairs
This year’s Africayé: Coming to Africa is inspired by the film Coming to America starring Eddie Murphy. It is the story of a wealthy African prince named Akeem who—after escaping an arranged marriage back home in Africa—flees to America to find a queen for himself without revealing his true identity. Just as Akeem is immersed into American culture, RASA hopes to provide an immersive all-African experience.
Soul Food Luncheon
Tuesday, February 11th at 12:00 PM | Rice Memorial Center Grand Hall
Sponsor: Office of Multicultural Affairs
TBD.
Can We Talk? Underrepresented Minorities in STEM
Tuesday, February 18th at 5:00 PM | Shell Auditorium, McNair Hall
Sponsor: School of Engineering, National Society of Black Engineers, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, and Office of Diversity and Inclusion
“Can We Talk? is a film that highlights Difficult Conversations with Underrepresented People of Color: Sense of Belonging and Obstacles to STEM Fields” by award-winning documentary filmmaker, Dr. Kendall Moore. The event is a joint effort of the Brown School of Engineering, Wiess School of Natural Sciences, Jones Graduate School of Business, Office of Diversity & Inclusion and Office of Multicultural Affairs.
Black Bodies in White Space: A Performance Ritual
Wednesday, February 19th at 7:00 PM | Outside Brochstein Pavilion
Sponsor: Moody Center for the Arts
For details, visit the Moody Center website at www.moody.rice.edu or contact Lisa Sursavage at lisa.sursavage@rice.edu.
Black Girl Church Short Film
Friday, February 21st at 7:00 PM | Moody Center, Los Chiles Theater
Sponsors: Rice Creative Society, ACE@Rice, Center for Engaged Research and Collaborative Learning, and the Moody Center
Join us for the first screening of this documentary in this region. Black Girl Church started off as a love letter to black girls and became an intimate portrayal of black beauty and the dynamics of the black beauty industry. This film screening will include a reception and panel with the creators Audrey Williams, Marissa Pina, Joe Schaefer, and cast member and former editor of Nylon Mag and Refinery29, Sesali Bowen.
Sunday Service at Windsor Village
Sunday, February 23rd at 9:30 AM | Kingdom Builders Center
Sponsors: Impact Movement and the Office of Multicultural Affairs
Religion is an integral part of the cultural surrounding the Black experience. To build an awareness around religion and spirituality, the Impact Movement at Rice University would like to invite you to a worship service at Windsor Village. Transportation will be provided to those who express interest in participating. People from all different walks of faith are encouraged to attend.
In the Legacy of Gandhi & King
Monday, February 24th at 7:00 PM | Hudspeth Auditorium
Sponsor: Boniuk Institute for Religious Tolerance
In celebration of Black History Month, please join the Rice University and Greater Houston communities for an evening talk with Morehouse College’s founding dean of Martin Luther King International Chapel, Dr. Lawrence Carter, Sr. as he discusses his new book, “The Baptist Preacher’s Buddhist Teacher.” Immediately following the event, there will be a light reception.
Pathway to Graduate School Panel
Wednesday, February 26th at 7:00 PM | Duncan Hall, Room 1064
Sponsor: Black Graduate Student Association
The Black Graduate Student Association is hosting a graduate school panel consisting of Black Master's and PhD students from STEM, humanities, and social science fields. This panel will address the reasons these students attend graduate school, the application process, decision making, and greater goals for their careers. BGSA would like to establish a support system for students who are thinking about graduate school and provide a perspective of what being a student of color in graduate school is like.
Owls After Dark: Black History Edition
Thursday, February 27th at 8:30 PM | Rice Memorial Center Grand Hall
Sponsors: Campus Events, Black Male Leadership Initiative, Black Student Association, Black Graduate Student Association and Rice African Student Association
For details, visit the Student Activities website at www.studentcenter.rice.edu/owls-after-dark or contact Ryan Morgado rm57@rice.edu.
Dialogue on Diversity | Africa: 2100
Friday, February 28th at 12:00 PM | Rice Multicultural Center
Sponsor: Rice African Student Association
Currently, Africa has the youngest and fastest-growing population. What would the continent reflect towards the end of the 21st century? In this talk via historical, cultural, and geopolitical perspectives, we explore potential trajectories African nations can take and reach by 2100.
NSBE Black History Trivia Night
Friday, February 28th at 7:30 PM | Duncan Commons
Sponsor: National Society of Black Engineers
NSBE's Trivia Night is an opportunity for members of the extended Rice Community to display their knowledge of black history trivia! Attendees will form teams to answer jeopardy style questions regarding black history. There will be food, music, and prizes sponsored by Google! While the event is free, we will be collecting monetary donations for a local charity. 100% of the proceeds will go to a local charity that supports STEM education for underrepresented minority students.
Black Excellence Gala
Friday, March 6th at 7:00 PM | Rice Cohen House
Sponsor: Black Student Association
The Black Student Association (BSA) Black Excellence Gala is an opportunity for Black students to connect and network with their fellow Black Alumni, Faculty, and Staff. The event will be an awards style banquet celebrating those whose successes and dedication to the community often go unrecognized with the broader Rice community.
Black History Month Sponsors
Office of Diversity & Inclusion (ODI), Center for African & African American Studies (CAAAS), Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA), Student Center, Black Student Association (BSA), Rice African Student Association (RASA), Black Male Leadership Initiative (BMLI), National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Association of Rice University Black Alumni (ARUBA), Multicultural Community Relations (MCR), School of Engineering, Jones Graduate School of Business (JGSOB), Black Graduate Student Association (BGSA), Center for Engaged Research & Collaborative Learning (CERCL), Rice Athletics and Caribbean Student Society (CSS).