February is a month to celebrate Black culture and history, its influence on our society, and the many important Black figures past and present. Leading the celebration on campus is the Office of Social Justice and Activism (OSJA), along with the Black Student Union, Sisters United, Men of Vision, and the Otterbein Gospel Choir. 

OSJA Director Frank Dobson has planned a variety of activities open to the entire campus. “Black History Month is a time to celebrate the contributions of African Americans to our nation and the world. We hope the entire Otterbein community will join in and attend the events,” he said. 

Black History Month highlights include: 

Ampe: Leap into the Sky, Black Girl  

Film Screening and Talk-back 

FEB. 2 – 5-8 p.m. 
Location: Towers 110 

Join Otterbein alumna Claudia Owusu and her co-director, Ife Oluwamuyide, for a screening their short film, Ampe: Leap Into the Sky, Black Girl, followed by a talk-back with the audience.  The film explores ampe, a traditional Ghanaian jumping and clapping game, as a coming-of-age ritual for Black girls across the African diaspora. The event is co-sponsored by the Race and Ethnic Studies Program and Department of English. 

The Color of Care  

Film Screening and Panel Discussion 

FEB. 9 – 6 p.m. 
Location: The Point  

Join WeRISE and Otterbein for a Black History Month screening of The Color of Care followed by a panel discussion. This documentary traces the origins of racial health disparities to practices that began during slavery in the U.S. and continue today. Using personal testimony, expert interviews, and disturbing data, the film reveals the impact of racism on health, serving as an urgent warning of what must be done to save lives. RSVP to https://bit.ly/3Cb9mBW 

It Began in the Delta: African American Music & the Rise of Rock and Roll

WOBN Radio Show 

Tuesday, Feb. 14, 10:30 – 11:30am
WOBN Radio. Live over the air and streaming at www.tandcmedia.org

History professor Anthony DeStefanis talks with musician Abby Faulkner about the development of Mississippi Delta blues in the post-Civil War South; it’s transformation into rhythm and blues with the Great Migration of African Americans to northern cities like Chicago; and the role the blues played in the 1950s creation of rock and roll. 

The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin (1963) 

Book Discussion 

FEB. 16 – 12-1 p.m. 
Location: OSJA Office/Multicultural Center 

At this Lunch and Learn book talk, we’ll ask, “What is the legacy of Baldwin and why is this book still so important today?” This event is INST approved and the first 10 attendees will receive a free copy of the book. 

The Leaders We Need Now 

U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty 

FEB. 16 – 7 p.m. 
Location: Cowan Hall 

The Kathy A. Krendl Distinguished Lecture Series at Otterbein University presents U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty for a free public lecture. Beatty has represented Ohio’s Third Congressional District since 2013. In the 117th Congress, she serves as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus; as chair of the Subcommittee on Diversity and Inclusion on the House Committee on Financial Services; and as a member of the Housing, Community Development, and Insurance Subcommittees. Register for this event at www.otterbein.edu/krendl. 

Spoken Word for the Soul 

Open Mic hosted by Ikra Koyriow and Andy Badu 

FEB. 21 – 6-7:30 p.m. 
Location: Campus Center 

Join us and pay tribute to Black poets at this open mic night. This event is co-sponsored by the Black Student Union and Courtright Memorial Library. It is INST approved and open to all.  

Spoken Word For The Soul 

Weekly Gatherings: 

Gospel Choir, 7-8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays in the Chapel. 

Black Student Union, Wednesdays.