Black History is OUR shared History. February is the month we celebrate the achievements and struggles of African Americans in America, but the history and contributions of ALL people should be taught throughout the year. Remember and understand the past; it will help us shape and define the future.
Below is a listing of events happening on campus and in the larger community in observance of Black History Month.
UALR Events
Tuesday, Feb. 18 – African American Read-In: Bring your favorite book!
Alpha Beta Kappa, the UALR chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the international English honor society, will host its fourth annual “African American Read-In” from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, in the Donaghey Student Center Ledbetter Meeting Room D.
Participants are invited to bring their favorite texts and share excerpts with the group.
The event is free and open to the public, and refreshments and door prizes will be available.
Saturday, Feb. 22 – The Abolitionists Film Showing and Community Discussion
CAHC will launch its year-long film series, Created Equal: America’s Civil Rights Struggle, during Black History Month at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, with the documentary, “The Abolitionists,” at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center.
Dr. Carl Moneyhon of the UALR History Department will moderate the discussion.
Community Events
Feb. 11 – 27 – Black History Month at Mosaic Templars Cultural Center
The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center has a number of events and activities scheduled in February to celebrate the heritage of African Americans. These include exhibits, lectures, film screenings and community discussions, and even a black history quiz bowl. All the events are free and open to the public.
For a complete listing of Black History Month events, go to at Mosaic Events.
Thursday, Feb. 13 – Underground Railroad historian lecture in Hot Springs
Anthony Cohen, a noted Underground Railroad historian, will present a lecture titled “Unshackling History: Recreating Experiences from American Slavery” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, at the Superior Bathhouse Brewery in Hot Springs, Ark.
Cohen’s lecture is part of the the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts’ Science and Arts Café series.
Cohen is a fourth-generation descendant of a runaway slave and the founder of the Menare Foundation which is dedicated to preserving the history of the Underground Railroad.
In 1997, Cohen helped prepare Oprah Winfrey for her role as Sethe in the film “Beloved.” Winfrey spent two days living as a fugitive on a simulated Underground Railroad.
Admission is free, but seating is limited. Learn more at ASMSA.
Monday, Feb. 17 – Daisy Gatson Bates Day 2014
On February 19, 2001, Arkansas became the first state to honor an African American woman with a state holiday.
The third Monday in February of every year (the same day as President’s Day) is Daisy Gatson Bates day in Arkansas.
Bates was honored for her many contributions to civil rights in Arkansas. Learn more about Bates at arkansascivilrightsheritage.org.
Monday, Feb. 17 – L.C. and Daisy Bates Luncheon
The 2014 L. C. and Daisy Bates Luncheon will be held on Monday, February 17, 11:30 a.m. at Moody Chapel AME Church, 5630 Mabelvale Pike, Little Rock, AR 72209.
The Christian Ministerial Alliance hosts the annual event as a reminder of the contributions the Bates family made to the state and national Civil Rights Movement. The event also assists in funding the operations of the Bates Museum National Historical Site. Learn more.
Tuesday, Feb. 18 – Clinton School Lecture: “Down to the Crossroads: Civil Rights, Black Power, and the Meredith March Against Fear”
Aram Goudsouzian, chair of the History Department at the University of Memphis, will present a lecture at the Clinton School of Public Service at noon Tuesday, Feb. 18, in Sturgis Hall. A book signing will follow.
Reserve your seats by email at publicprograms@clintonschool.uasys.edu or call 501.683.5239.
Friday, Feb. 28 – UUCLR presents “Past, Present, Future: Race Relations”
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Little Rock will present the “Past, Present, Future: Race Relations” panel discussion from 7 – 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, at the church located at 1818 Reservoir Road in Little Rock..
Dr. Michael R. Twyman, director of the UALR Institute on Race and Ethnicity, will serve on the panel.
The event is free but donations are accepted.
UUCLR started the community series of speakers in 2013 to address topics of interest to the community. Past topics have organic farming, politics, and ways to achieve peace.
For more information, contact Nancy Kimpel, event co-coordinator, at nkimpel@att.net or 501.366.1206.
To learn more about African American contributions to the state of Arkansas, go to the arkansascivilrightsheritage.org.
