In honor of Black History Month, Penn State Berks will hold the following events in February 2020. All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.
Hip Hop and Poetry Slam
6 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 6 – location TBD
The Black Student Union and the Berks Hip Hop group will join forces for Black History Month. For this event, they will discuss the history of hip hop with performances, cyphering and sharing of material. Guests who attend the free workshop will learn about the history and culture of hip hop. For additional information, contact Kayla Frison, president of the Black Student Union, at [email protected].
Sybrina Fulton, co-author of "Rest in Power: The Enduring Life of Trayvon Martin"
7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 12 — Perkins Student Center Auditorium
Fulton has dedicated her life to transforming her family’s tragedy into social change. Since the death of her 17-year-old son, Trayvon Martin, during a violent confrontation in 2012, Fulton has become an inspiring spokesperson for parents and concerned citizens across the country. She co-authored a book with Tracy Martin that shares the intimate story of her son’s tragically shortened life and the rise of a movement that has awakened a nation’s conscience. For more information, contact the Office of Campus Life at 610-396-6076.
Black Out
12:15-1:15 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 12 – Tully’s
The Black Student Union will host a Black Out event to help educate the student body on black history. During the event they will shed light on the social injustices that black and brown people have endured throughout history. The event will be presented by selected faculty and students. For additional information, contact Kayla Frison, president of the Black Student Union, at [email protected].
Black Excellence
6 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 19 – Perkins Student Center Multipurpose Room
The Black Excellence event is a workshop comprised of fun activities centered around the past, present, and future of Black history. This event will include cuisine from various Black cultures. For additional information, contact Kayla Frison, president of the Black Student Union, at [email protected].
Being Black at Berks, A Cultural Showcase of Black Culture
5 p.m., Friday, Feb. 28 — Perkins Student Center Multipurpose Room
The Black Student Union and the Penn State Berks Diversity Committee will cohost the second annual “Being Black at Berks, A Cultural Showcase of Black Culture.” The evening will include various forms of spoken word poetry, hair and fashion shows, a performance by the Berks Step Team, and light refreshments. For additional information, contact Sharon Pitterson-Ogaldez, coordinator of diversity and international programs, at 610-396-6080 or via email at [email protected].