In honor of Black History Month, the John D. O’Bryant African-American Institute is hosting a four-week series of events focused on four core themes—connecting, educating, inspiring, and celebrating.
The annual series aims to celebrate the history, contributions, and global impact of the African Diaspora, according to Marion Mason, the institute’s assistant director for student leadership and global engagement.
“This year there’s a heavy focus on healthy lifestyles,” Mason said. “We’re highlighting research on healthy eating and hosting events that share that message with the community beyond just our campus.”
The first week’s events, including the opening of an art show in Gallery 360, “Art & the African Diaspora,” which will be on display throughout the month, focus on connecting the Northeastern community to African-American history and culture.
The second week of events will focus on educating people about the African Diaspora through a series of panel discussions, conversations, and field trips. The program includes an event titled “Coast-to-Coast Conversations: Healthy Eating and the African Diaspora,” which will take place in the Cabral Center on Wednesday, Feb. 13, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The “Coast-to-Coast Conversations” series resumes the following week as part of the program of inspiring events, one of which will be held in Xhibition Kitchen on Wednesday, Feb. 20, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Feb. 20 includes two events for alumni. The Cabral Center will host a reception from 5 to 6:30 p.m., followed by a “5 Under 25” panel of successful graduates with ties to the O’Bryant Institute.
On Feb. 22, the play The Harlem Renaissance Revisited with a Gospel Flavor will be performed in Blackman Auditorium on Friday, with the performance starting at 6:30 p.m. Free tickets to the show, which will be staged by the touring Oscar Micheaux Family Theater Program, are currently available online, at the Northeastern box office, and from the O’Bryant Institute.
The final week of festivities will celebrate the African-American community, beginning with the annual Black History Month Celebration and Recognition Ceremony. The event will be held in the Cabral Center on Wednesday, Feb. 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and honor Northeastern staff members who have served the university community for at least 15 years.
The final event of that week will honor African-American veterans from Northeastern and the Greater Boston area through a tribute at the O’Bryant Institute on Thursday, Feb. 28, from 4 to 6 p.m.
Click here for a full schedule of Black History Month events and activities.