February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate and reflect on the contributions African Americans have made to our country and our communities, and the central roles they have played in our history.

At United Way BCKR, we are also marking the occasion with our 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge, a learning journey that examines the history and impact of racism and how it shapes people’s lived experiences. More than 800 community members have already registered to receive daily emails covering a wide range of topics related to racial equity. Each email contains links to videos, readings, podcasts and more, with opportunities to come together in discussion. Register now to start Feb. 1 or join us at any point during the month.

We have also compiled an additional list of local and non-local virtual events and readings to explore throughout the month. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it can be a good place to start. We encourage you to go deeper this year in exploring Black history and continue your learning well past February.

Readings

1. Remembering Battle Creek’s Black Trailblazers
2. Explore Kalamazoo’s rich Black history and culture
3. 26 Little-Known Black History Facts You May Not Have Learned In School

Month-Long Celebrations

4. Detroit Institute of Arts – Black History Month 2021. The Detroit Institute of Arts invites you to celebrate Black History Month at home with free online programs including music, films, art talks and art-making, events for foodies, seniors, and kids of all ages.

5. The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Celebrate Black History Month with the Wright – Join in their month-long exploration and celebration of African American history, with online events free of charge.

February Calendar of Events

6. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 7-8 p.m.: Portage Black History Month Presents: Local Leaders Spotlight: “Highlighting the Black Experience with Personal Interviews and Demonstrations.” Featuring Buddy Hannah, a retired radio show host, actor, playwright and recipient of the Silver Star and Bronze Star for valor in the Vietnam War.

7. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 6-7:30 p.m.: Virtual Racial Healing Experience Series. Virtual Racial Healing Experiences are a process and tool to facilitate trust and build authentic relationships that bridge divides created by real and perceived racial differences. Participants are invited to share personal experiences and heart stories, leaving their time together in deeper relationship with one another. To allow for deep reflection and powerful insights, each series is limited to 25 participants. Pre-registration for this seven week series is required: https://forms.gle/BFZure36PrS2jhzR7

8. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 11-11:30 a.m.: Willard Library Presents: On the Road With Miss Stephanie: Celebrate Black History Month. Battle Creek has a rich cultural history including being the final resting place for Sojourner Truth and a stop on the Underground Railroad. In celebration of Black History Month, Miss Stephanie goes on the road to visit local businesses owned and operated by African Americans. She will talk to the owners about their success as entrepreneurs. The February Grab ‘n’ Go Kits, which are available beginning Feb. 1 while supplies last, will include activities to celebrate black history. Video Premiere on Willard’s Facebook and YouTube Channels

9. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 6:30-7:30 p.m.: KPL Presents: African American Genealogy: Beginner Basics. Do you know who your ancestors are? Want to learn how to begin your family research? Searching for your African American ancestors can be challenging! This program will teach you how to start researching your family tree with library resources.

10. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 6-8 p.m.: Willard Library Presents: African American Celebrations With Motherland African Dishes. Motherland Cultural Connections will take participants on an exciting journey to Africa through interactive culinary experiences. Motherland’s vision is to bridge the cultural divide between Africans and the rest of the world. Motherland Cultural Connections will present an interactive cooking experience. Attendees will virtually hang out in the kitchen to learn step by step how to make traditional African dishes as well as the culture and history behind them. This class will feature Yassa Chicken, which is a popular Senegalese and Gambian dish, and Goat Pepper Soup. Find the recipes here: tinyurl.com/WLMotherlandPrepRecipe. Dry ingredients kits for the recipes may be picked up at either library after Monday, Feb. 8, while supplies last. Please register at tinyurl.com/WLAACooking to receive details on accessing the virtual program.

11. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 7-8 p.m.: Portage Black History Month Presents: Local Leaders Spotlight: “Highlighting the Black Experience with Personal Interviews and Demonstrations.” Monica Washington Padula, Musician, sharing her work in the community with music and importance of offering music education more equitably for communities of color.

12. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 4 p.m.: TRutH Talk: Black History Month.
Join Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) Kalamazoo and community panelists as they discuss Black History Month.
Topics will include:

• What is Black History Month and why do we celebrate it?
• What does Black History Month mean to our community?
• How do people connect with the community to build Black power.

13. FRIDAY FEBRUARY 19, 7-8 p.m.: KPL Presents: Edward Callahan in Concert. Kalamazoo Native and KPS/Kalamazoo Promise graduate Edward Callahan will be streaming live from Wellspring Theater on Friday, February 19th at 7 pm. This recital kicks off the Gilmore’s annual KeysFest—a day of master classes for students grades 1–12 featuring clinicians from regional universities, workshops, and more.

14. FRIDAY FEBRUARY 19, 7-8 p.m.: Portage Black History Month Presents: Local Leaders Spotlight: “Highlighting the Black Experience with Personal Interviews and Demonstrations.” Donna Odom, Executive Director of SHARE, presenting her research of the Underground Railroad movement and operations in Southwest Michigan.

15. TUESDAY FEBRUARY 23, 4-6 p.m.: KPL Presents: National African American Read-In: Ancient African Civilizations. The 2021 National African American Read-In hosted by the Alma Powell Branch will highlight the significance of Ancient African Civilizations by sharing books and other materials that explore the history of African Kingdoms and Empires. A printable study guide compliments the event. The Zoom link to join will be posted day of the event.

16. FRIDAY FEBRUARY 26, 7-8 p.m.: Portage Black History Month Presents: Local Leaders Spotlight: “Highlighting the Black Experience with Personal Interviews and Demonstrations.” Sean and Sonya Hollins, Publishers at Seasons Press LLC, sharing the story and art behind the coloring book “Your Turn” that celebrates the African American women trailblazers of Kalamazoo and a sneak peek of their next coloring book.

17. Friday, February 26, 6-8 p.m.: Willard Library Presents: African American Celebration With Motherland House Concert. Motherland Cultural Connections will take participants on an exciting journey to Africa through an interactive musical experience. Motherland’s vision is to bridge the cultural divide between Africans and the rest of the world. The concert will be virtual and interactive and include traditional African beats, poems, and stories from multiples artists from several countries in Africa. Please register at tinyurl.com/WLAAConcert to receive details on accessing the virtual program.

18. Don’t forget to sign up for the 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge!