MSU hosts various special events in honor of Black History Month

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State University is honoring Black History Month throughout the month of February. The month-long celebration will kick off with a screening of the film “Till” and will conclude with a performance by the Hiplet Ballerinas, who gained fame on the TV show “America’s Got Talent.”

The Holmes Cultural Diversity Center, Division of Access, Opportunity and Success, and other campus units are sponsoring a variety of activities and events that encompass music, art, history, virtual reality experiences, and more.

On Feb. 2 at 7 p.m., the university will host a screening of the movie “Till” at the Taylor Auditorium in McCool Hall. The film is based on the true story of Mamie Till-Bradley, an educator and activist who fought for justice after her 14-year-old son, Emmett Till, was brutally murdered in 1955.

On Feb. 6 at 7 p.m., the Lee Hall’s Bettersworth Auditorium will feature a performance of “Cross That River.” This particular performance is part of the Lyceum Series and tells the musical story of the first Black cowboys who settled in the West during the 1860s. The event is free for MSU students, and tickets can be purchased by MSU employees and the general public through https://msstate.universitytickets.com/?cid=167.

From Feb. 7-18, the Colvard Student Union Art Gallery will host an art exhibition called “Called to Create: Celebrating Black Artists II.” The exhibition will showcase various forms of Black artwork created by both students and members of the community.

On Feb. 13 at 6 p.m., Ballroom U at Colvard Student Union will hold an event titled “Loving Ourselves, Loving Our Hair.” St. Clair Detrick-Jules, an author, filmmaker, and activist, will be the featured speaker. She will discuss themes related to Black hair and self-love, drawing from her book “My Beautiful Black Hair: 101 Natural Hair Stories from the Sisterhood.” Detrick-Jules will encourage students to reflect on their own stories, identities, and communities. A meet and greet reception will take place from 5-6 p.m. in the Old Main Lounge in Colvard Student Union.

On Feb. 14 from noon to 4 p.m., Mitchell Memorial Library’s Atrium will host “Douglas Day” to celebrate Frederick Douglass’ birthday. Participants will have the opportunity to explore Douglass’ letters and contribute to making them available worldwide.

On Feb. 15 at 6 p.m., the Dawg House in Colvard Student Union will be the venue for “Celebrating Black History: Trivia Extravaganza.” The Office of Access and Success will host a trivia game that honors the contributions of Black individuals throughout history.

Also on Feb. 15 at 6 p.m., Thompson Hall’s Tully Auditorium will feature a panel discussion titled “Why Not Me?” The College of Forest Resources will highlight the contributions of Black individuals in conservation and natural resources during this event.

On Feb. 21 from noon to 4 p.m., Mitchell Memorial Library’s MaxxSouth Digital Media Center will offer a virtual reality experience titled “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. VR Experience.” Participants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in virtual programs that showcase the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr.

On Feb. 22 from 2-4 p.m., the Dawg House in Colvard Student Union will host a “Black History Month Faculty and Staff Social.” The Office of Inclusive Excellence invites MSU faculty and staff to a networking mixer where they can strengthen connections and enjoy refreshments.

At 6 p.m. on Feb. 22, the Tully Auditorium in Thompson Hall will feature the “Why Not Me? Speaker Series” with guest speaker Keena Graham, superintendent of the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument. The College of Forest Resources is hosting Graham, who will celebrate and amplify the contributions and voices of underrepresented communities in conservation and natural resources.

On Feb. 24, the Inclusive Excellence Committee has organized a full-day trip called “Journey Through Black History Month Trip to Emmett Till Interpretive Center and GRAMMY Museum.” Participants will have the opportunity to tour the Emmett Till Interpretive Center and GRAMMY Museum in Sumner and Cleveland.

On Feb. 25 at 6 p.m., the HCDC and the Center for Student Activities will hold a “Celebration of Gospel” event at a location to be announced. This event will feature a night of gospel music.

On Feb. 27 at 6 p.m., Lee Hall’s Bettersworth Auditorium will host “Talented 100.” This event will showcase the Black talent at MSU and is organized by the Men of Excellence Program, I.D.E.A.L. Woman Program, and the Black Student Association.

The month-long celebration will conclude on Feb. 29 at 7 p.m. with a performance by the Hiplet Ballerinas at Lee Hall’s Bettersworth Auditorium. The Hiplet Ballerinas, a Chicago-based group, blend classical pointe technique with African, Latin, hip-hop, and urban dance styles from communities of color. The event is free for MSU students, and tickets can be purchased by MSU employees and the general public through https://msstate.universitytickets.com/?cid=167.