Here is the lineup of activities planned for Black History Month. Please join us!
All month
Support the SNMA Fund-raiser
Rock your values with these pins! Proceeds will go toward future SNMA programming and more monthly initiatives that support the SNMA mission. Pins must be ordered by Feb. 28 at 11:59 p.m. Order now.
Make Space, Take Space Mural
Find our BHM mural representing the diversity WITHIN the Black community at NEOMED. You may be surprised to see just how many countries and cultures are represented by the end of the month!
February 1
All day
Wear Red, Black and Green Apparel Day!
We invite students, staff, and faculty to recognize the start of Black History Month by wearing red, black, and/or green. These colors represent the Pan-African flag, a flag adopted to symbolically unite individuals of the Black diaspora. In fact, it has been suggested that the Pan-African flag has been used as a template for African countries as they gained independence e.g. Ghana, Libya, Malawi, and more. As quoted by the UNIA, "Red is the color of the blood which men must shed for their redemption and liberty; black is the color of the noble and distinguished race to which we belong; green is the color of the luxuriant vegetation of our Motherland." On February 1, join us as we celebrate these important colors of pride, unification, and change.
February 1
Noon
Black History Month Speaker: Avery Ware Avery (He/They) is a writer and educator from Lorain, Ohio. He is an adjunct professor of American History. Avery’s research, writing, and teaching interests include a Black-queering of history by interrogating social inequalities and systemic injustices throughout U.S. history, Black queer feminism, the socio-political foundations and application of the politics of desire, and popular & visual culture. Avery is also the cohost of the podcast Drag From The Left. Through his teaching, writing, and podcasting, Avery is dedicated to a liberatory pedagogy that centers on the voices and experiences of marginalized groups that have historically been silenced. He holds a MA in American Studies from Youngstown State University and a BA in Sociology from the University of Akron.
February 9
Noon to 1 p.m. in Olson Auditorium and Zoom
Navigating Racial Bias in Medicine
Our very own NEOMED physicians Dr. Sonja Harris-Haywood (University Hospitals) and Dr. Yoleetah Ilodi (Summa Health System, Akron) will lead a crucial conversation about racial bias in medicine. They will provide steps that students can take to become clinically excellent, culturally competent, and socially conscious medical providers. This format will seek to highlight common racial biases in medicine, personal experiences, and the responsibilities that current students have as future providers.
February 16
Noon to 1:30 p.m. at Meshel Hall
Black History Jeopardy
You will not want to miss this lunch hour of food, fun, and learning. Contestants will go head-to-head in Black history themed categories for their chance to win the grand prize! Whether a contestant or audience member, you will leave more knowledgeable than you came in!
February 18
6 – 9 p.m., location to be announced
Black History Paint Night
Take a night off from studying and join your colleagues in a journey into Black art history. Participants will receive a canvas with paints, food, and instruction. Whether you are a budding Jean-Michel Basquiat or a finger-painter, this will be a wonderful cultural experience.
February 22
Noon to 1:30 p.m. in atrium near Watanakunakorn Auditorium
Drumming and Line Dance Pop-up
Follow the sound of the drums to watch a performance of African drumming. You will be able to grab a drum and join right in with our guest instructor! If you're still feeling the beat, fall in line as we learn the Cleveland Shuffle with the SNMA board!