ANN ARBOR – Washtenaw Community College (WCC) is celebrating Black History Month with multiple events throughout February planned by its Office of Diversity & Inclusion.
“Black History Month is a time to celebrate Black excellence and history, raise awareness of current experiences, and most importantly a time to commemorate the debts endured by Black Americans that made a country of opportunity possible for all Americans to benefit from,” said Dr. Eric Reed, WCC Dean of Student Access, Success, Equity, and Inclusion.
Scheduled events open to the public include:
One Love: Poetry Open Mic
2-3 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 17
This virtual poetry open mic will feature the work of WCC students, faculty, staff and alumni. The One Love anthology of poems, prose and visual art will be available online. Bring a poem to read, pick a poem by an African American poet from a virtual basket during the event, or just come and listen. All are welcome to join on Zoom.
H.P. Jacobs to HBCU
3-4 p.m., Friday, Feb. 18
Did you know a Black man from Ypsilanti founded a Historically Black College and University? Eastern Michigan University professor James Egge will share the rich history and legacy of H.P. Jacobs and how he founded Jackson State University, one of WCC’s HBCU Pathway partners. HBCU alumni are invited to join and share their experiences and advice with current WCC students interested in attending an HBCU. All are welcome to join on Zoom.
Black History and Student Success at WCC
12:30-1:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 23
Current and former WCC employees and alumni will share their stories of their experiences and history at WCC to further inspire current faculty and staff to propel the future success of Black students. All are welcome to join on Zoom.
bell hooks: Men, Prison & a Feminist Movement
11 a.m.-noon, Friday, Feb. 25
Join this special discussion about the documentary “The Feminist on Cellblock Y.” Cozine Welch, a formerly incarcerated poet, educator and activist will discuss what we can learn from the Black feminist author and scholar bell hooks, as well as the incarcerated men who drew upon her teachings to challenge their ideas about masculinity, and ultimately transform themselves. All are invited to join on Zoom. Although not necessary, viewing the documentary before attending is recommended for the best experience.
Researching Your African-American Ancestors
2-3 p.m., Wednesday, March 2
Join WCC instructor Jean Winborn, a renowned researcher in African-American genealogy, to learn resources and methods to research your ancestors. Winborn has been a family history researcher for more than 30 years and is the founder of the African-American Genealogy Association of Washtenaw County. All are welcome to join via Zoom.
About Washtenaw Community College
Washtenaw Community College (WCC), Ann Arbor, Mich., educates students through a wide range of associate and certificate programs in areas such as health care, business, STEM and advanced transportation and mobility. WCC offers accelerated and online programs and is ranked the number one community college in Michigan, according to schools.com. WCC is committed to student success, with nearly 70% of students intending to transfer to complete a bachelor degree. The college also works through community, business and union partnerships to develop highly specialized training programs to meet the region’s workforce talent needs.
