UH Hilo invites public to Black History Month events

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo invites the public to its Black History Month events to celebrate, honor and highlight the achievements, contributions, and history of Black individuals and communities. The observance aims to recognize the significant role that African Americans have played in the development and shaping of various aspects of society, including politics, culture, science, and the arts with particular emphasis on their contributions to labor. There is no admission charge.

The following events are scheduled:

• Entire month of February: Black History Exhibit by UH Hilo History Club, Mookini Library

• Friday, February 7: Kick-Off Cultural Event, Campus Center Plaza, 5-8 p.m. Event showcases African-centered art, dance performances, Gospel singing, and also presentations of Black history promoting the diversity of both African American and African cultures throughout the diaspora by illuminating the contributions and talents of these identities

• Saturday, February 8: ʻOhana Black Field Games & Potluck, Wailoa Park, Noon

• Wednesday, February 12: “The Golden Goose” & “Pinocchio” film presentations by African American film maker, Ed Bell, UCB Room100, 5.30 p.m

• Saturday, February 15: Children’s Day (Under 12), Campus Center Room 301. 10 a.m-Noon; children-centered activities

• Wednesday, February 19: “Beat Street” film presentation, UCB Room 100, 5:30 p.m.;1984 film about New York’s Hip Hop culture

• Thursday, February 20: Gongfuball Presentation & Demonstration with UH Hilo KES Alumni, Steve Martin, location and time TBD. Gongfuball mixes tag football, ultimate frisbee, and soccer into one sport with the element of flag boxing as a determinant of eliminating players and determining offensive defensive sides

• Thursday, February 20: “From The Plantation to Implantation Afrofuturism in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” UCB Room 100, 6-7:30 p.m. UH Hilo Alumni Steve Martin reveals how Afrofuturism has shaped the future of the contemporary world and exposes impending dangers with a presentation designed to engage the audience on topics ranging from critical race theory, frontiers in economics pertaining to the U.S bioeconomy and bioethics, to the impending impact of artificial intelligence on the careers and the culture of the Black community in the United States

• Wednesday, February 26: African String Figure Workshop, Student Services Center W201, 3-4:30 p.m.

• Wednesday, February 26: “BlackkKlansman” film presentation, UCB Room 100, 5:30 p.m. Based on a true story, an African American police officer successfully infiltrates the local KluKluxKlan Branch. Directed by Spike Lee.

• Thursday, February 27: Legacy Lost: Passing Across the Color Line book talk with Barbara Hilyer, Campus Center Room 301, 3:30 p.m

• Friday, February 28: Black Agroforestry talk with Malik Girley and Mago Smith, Kuleana and the Community, Mookini Library, 12-1 p.m.

• Friday, February 28: “Know Your Roots Fashion Show,” UCB 127, 6 -7:30 p.m.

Sponsored by the UH Hilo Departments of Gender & Women’s Studies, History, Kinesiology & Exercise Sciences, Philosophy, the Chancellor’s Committee for Excellence in Diversity, Excellence & Inclusion, UH System SEED Grant, UH Hilo History Club, LGBTQ &Women’s Center, and Ohana Black Community.

For more information or for disability accommodations, contact Dr. Celia Bardwell-Jones at celiab@hawaii.edu, (V) 808-932-7200, or Yolisa Duley at hduley@hawaii.edu, (V) 808-932-7963, (TTY) 808-932-7002.