
LMU celebrates Black History Month during February with special events such as a book discussion, an exhibit in the Laband Art Gallery, collaborations with registered student organizations, a Black History of L.A. tour, a Warner Brothers Studio tour, a keynote speaker with African American Studies, softball and basketball games, an Open Mic Night, and more.
Many events throughout the month are hosted by LMU’s Office of Black Student Services around the theme “We Are What We Need.” This theme focuses on community effort, community work, and community liberation. Kwyn Townsend Riley, director of the Office of Black Student Services, said, “This theme focuses on the answers we have questions to, for the light we are experiencing darkness, for the joy, for the justice, for the love … we are what we need. We have always been.” During the month, OBSS will join in partnerships to highlight RSOs, including:
- On Feb. 6, the Laband Art Gallery will host “Ghosts of Segregation,” a gallery conversation and artist’s reception. Rich Frishman and B. Brian Foster will discuss their collaboration on the 2024 publication “Ghosts of Segregation: American Racism Hidden in Plain Sight,” with both photographs and essays.
- On Feb. 7, Sisters in Solidarity will partner to host Braids, Blades, and Beads, a discussion on hair and beauty standards in the African American community. Sisters in Solidarity, an on-campus student organization promoting unity and cultural engagement for Black women.
- On Feb. 20, Words of Mouth will partner to host its semi-annual Open Mic Night to showcase the rich world of Black poetry for Black History Month. Words of Mouth is a writer’s revolution society and poetry club devoted to creating safe spaces that allow members to engage and explore their environment, history, and intersecting identities through the medium of poetry on the page.
- On Feb. 23, the UMOJA Alliance, the umbrella for the Black registered student organizations (RSOs) at LMU, will partner to host Black on the Bluff with Student Housing, students will have the chance to connect with Black RSOs, enjoy entertainment and shop at food trucks.
- On Feb. 24, Brothers of Consciousness (BOC) and Black Filmmakers Rebellion will partner with OBSS and the LMU School of Film and Television to host the “Color Book” Film Showing and Discussion. BOC is the premier Black men’s organization that works to promote Jesuit values and to increase Black male leadership on campus. The Black Filmmaker Rebellion is a group founded at LMU to create a space for Black filmmakers at predominantly white institutions, fostering a thriving community where students collaborate, access resources, and engage with industry professionals, through workshops, networking, and community service initiatives in L.A.
Join the LMU community on the following dates as we celebrate Black History Month:
Feb. 3, The Lair, 11 a.m.
Black History Month Kickoff with Dining
In collaboration with LMU Dining Services, join us for the Black History Month Kickoff to taste our culture, see our culture, and learn more about it.
Tuesday-Saturday, Jan. 28-March 1, Laband Art Gallery, 11 a.m.
“Ghosts of Segregation”
In ”Ghosts of Segregation,” photographer Richard Frishman explores the lingering presence of segregation, slavery, and institutional racism hidden in everyday American architecture.
Feb. 5, Intercultural Suite, 5 p.m.
Black Women Taught Us Book Talk with Intercultural Facilitators
In collaboration with the Intercultural Facilitators program, join us for an engaging event around the book “Black Women Taught Us” by Jenn M Jackson, Ph.D.
Wednesday, Feb. 5, Featherston LSB Auditorium, 5:30 p.m.
“Journeys of Black Mathematicians: Creating Pathways”
The LMU community is invited to a panel discussion and screening of this documentary that features LMU Mathematics Professor Robin Wilson. RSVP here.
Feb. 7, The Mbongi Spot, 6 p.m.
Braids, Blades, and Beads
In collaboration with Sisters in Solidarity, come meet us at The Mbongi Spot as we discuss hair and beauty standards in the African American community.
Feb. 8, Meet by Sacred Heart Chapel, 9 a.m.
Black L.A. History Tour
Come travel with us into the city of L.A. and learn about historical places that are significant for the Black History in L.A. Transportation is provided. RSVP is required.
Feb. 8, The Living Room, 7 p.m.
“B.A.P.S.” Film Showing and Discussion
Join us to watch the film “B.A.P.S.” There will be snacks and refreshments provided.
Feb. 9, Alumni Flag Poles, 8:45 a.m.
WB Studio Tour with LGBT Student Services
Join LGBT Student Services and the OBSS for a tour on the working set of Warner Brothers Studios in L.A. Get to see behind-the-scenes movie magic and also get to learn about W.B.’s Black Queer Cinematic History. This is a free event and we will provide transportation.
Feb. 9, Smith Field, 11 a.m.
Women’s Softball vs. Nevada
SVP for Student Affairs Kawanna Leggett will throw out the honorary first pitch.
Feb. 10, FEA 120 Life Sciences Building, 5:30 p.m.
Black History Month Keynote: Marc Lamont Hill
In collaboration with the African American Studies department, we present to you the Black History Month Keynote Speaker Marc Lamont Hill, Ph.D. Hill is a scholar, educator, and journalist. His interdisciplinary approach to understanding inequalities throughout our society incorporates historical, political, social, and cultural frameworks to understand better the need for social justice work inside and outside academia. His address will emphasize the community-mindedness that has sustained generations of African American students and scholars. A reception will follow the keynote.
Feb. 11, The Mbongi Spot, noon
For Nikki : A Tribute to Nikki Giovanni
In collaboration with the William H. Hannon Library, join us to honor the poet of the people: Dr. Nikki Giovanni. There will be Black-owned bookstores, food, and poetry.
Feb. 12, Malone 112, 5:30 p.m.
Black Queer Forum with LGBT Student Services
A discussion forum with Black queer students focusing on their experiences and thoughts about being queer on LMU’s campus. Students and faculty of all identities and orientations are encouraged to come and immerse themselves in an open and honest dialogue. Part of Rainbow Week and Black History Month, this event is hosted with OBSS in Malone 112.
Feb. 13. The Hill, 6 p.m.
The Boiler Room
Come party with us in the Hill with several DJ’s, playing all the right vibes.
Feb. 19, The Well, 7:30 p.m.
Let’s Have Church with Campus Ministry
In collaboration with Campus Ministry, let’s have church.
Feb. 20, The Living Room, 7 p.m.
Open Mic Night with Words of Mouth
Words of Mouth will be hosting its semi-annual open mic night with the Office of Black Student Services this semester to showcase the wonderfully rich world of Black poetry for Black History Month. Come out and share your poetry while also engaging in the rich history and contemporary power of Black poets.
Feb. 21, St. Rob’s, 7 p.m.
Black to the Future : Ballroom Extravaganza
In collaboration with LGBT Student Services, join us for an unforgettable night. Come see contestants compete in several categories. Who will wear the crown?
Feb. 22, Gersten Pavilion, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
LMU Men’s and Women’s Basketball vs Pepperdine
Feb. 23, Regents Terrace, 10 a.m.
Black on the Bluff with Student Housing
In collaboration with Student Housing and Residence Life, UMOJA Alliance (the umbrella for the Black registered student organizations (RSOs)), join us for Black on the Bluff. Students can meet the Black RSO’s, enjoy entertainment, shop at food trucks and more.
Feb. 24, Mayer Theatre, 5:30 p.m.
Color Book Film Showing and Discussion
In collaboration with SFTV, Brothers of Consciousness and Black Filmmakers Rebellion, join us for a showing of the groundbreaking film “The Coloring Book.” Director David Fortune will join us for a talkback.