Oakton hosts free events to celebrate Black History Month

Oakton Community College invites you to celebrate Black History Month by attending a pair of free events that highlight the accomplishments of notable African Americans. Both events are open to the public.

Black History Month kicks off with an opportunity to journey through the black experience with a visit to the True Black History Traveling Museum, which will be at the Des Plaines campus, 1600 E. Golf Road, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, in Room 1606.

The museum consists of over 1,000 artifacts and original documents dating from the late 1700s to the 21st century. Historic figures including Booker T. Washington, Mary McLeod Bethune, George Washington Carver, Rosa Parks, Frederick Douglass, Angela Davis and President Barack Obama are highlighted. A lecture about the museum is scheduled at 12:30 p.m., in Room 1608, at the Des Plaines campus.

This event is hosted by Oakton's Center for Campus Inclusion and Diversity and the Black History and Culture Committee.

On Thursday, Feb. 20, enjoy a screening of "Toni Morrison: The Pieces I am" at 2 p.m., in Room 1430, at the Des Plaines campus and at 2:15 p.m., in Room A152, at the Skokie campus, 7701 N. Lincoln Ave. A discussion will follow the documentary.

"Toni Morrison: The Pieces I am" focuses on the life and works of the legendary storyteller and Nobel Prize winner. The film includes interviews with Hilton Als, Angela Davis, Fran Lebowitz, Walter Mosley, Sonia Sanchez and Oprah Winfrey.

The screening is presented by the Women's and Gender Studies program and Black History Month Committee.

"The college is proud to organize an exciting lineup of inspirational programs for the campus and community to celebrate the countless contributions black people have made to not just American history, but world history and culture as well," says Director of Student Life and Campus Inclusion Rick Daniels, who is also a member of the Black History and Culture Committee. "This year's offerings reflect on the past, address current issues and encourage equitable outcomes for people of color."

Support for both events is provided by the Oakton Community College Educational Foundation. Keep an eye out for additional events which may be added throughout the month.

For more information about Black History Month events at the college, contact Daniels at [email protected].