By: Lindsay Cox
Whilst preparing for the events for Black History Month, assistant director of Admissions and member of Parkland’s Black History Month Committee, Nick Sanders highlighted some events for the Prospectus.
The committee has been working on the events for Black History Month since October. This Wednesday, all their hard work will come to fruition. There will be a Black History Month kickoff luncheon from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 29 in the cafeteria.
The kickoff will have a DJ, entertainment, and include awards and recognitions; the luncheon costs $10. Sanders stated that, “This event is to build community. Often in most cultures, especially black culture, one of the ways that we build community is through eating together.”
For the awards, Parkland faculty have nominated black students that they find have done good in the community and academically. The students will be featured in the Prospectus and receive a certificate to recognize them for their achievements.
The theme for the entire month of February is “The Black Experience.” Sanders elaborated on the theme by saying, “The reason we chose ‘The Black Experience’ is that often, people from outside of our culture think of black people in a certain type of way, but there’s all different types of personalities in African American culture. Whether that’s people who are nerds, people who are really cool, athletes, whether that’s politics, dance. There is a whole spectrum of black culture. I think this month’s events really does a good job of highlighting all of things in black culture that we are really good at and that we can really excel at.”
Dr. Fowler of Parkland’s political science department is hosting an event where he will be speaking about Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He will be talking about their different philosophies and mentalities toward black people, particularly in America.
There will also be an event hosted by Sociology professor, Evelyn Reynolds, about black Muslims in America and how they are perceived. Dean Turner will be speaking at an event for Black Cinema. Dean Turner will talk about actors and actresses, but also the people behind the cameras. Turner will be discussing how black filmmakers are telling these stories that not only black people can identify with, but anyone could.
Donna Tanner-Herald, who serves as a counselor in Counseling and Advising, will host a two-part series on black relationships.
Jordan Butts, a former Parkland student who got his degree in automotive technology, will be speaking about his own custom shop and entrepreneurship.
“There are a lot of things that we are highlighting to kind of dispel the myth that black people are one type of way. They can be a wide range of things and we want to celebrate that,” Sanders said.
Sanders also mentioned the term “edutain,” where he wants students to be entertained while getting educated at the same time. He expressed that he feels like all events have this component to make them successful. The college has already received some publicity for the events. Champaign Public Access Television will be filming one of the presentations, and there has even been some press from The News Gazette.
When asked what he would like the students of Parkland to know about these events, Sanders said that he wants students to know that they are welcome. “I want them to know that they can come to them. That they can attend. That they should attend. I think it’s good for not just black students, but all students to come out and experience things and learn some things,” he said. “We are having a Dine and Discuss. We will feed you for free so come on out. And, just come and support your other students. I often hear students talk about how there is nothing here to do…so we have some programming so that you can come and experience. Come enjoy the vibe of music. Come get educated from different presentations. Or participate in spoken word. Come on out and show your support.”
