Contact: Aspen Harris

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State is celebrating Black History Month throughout February, opening with a screening of the film “Till” and culminating with a performance by Hiplet Ballerinas as seen on the popular TV show “America’s Got Talent.”

A number of activities and events, sponsored by the university’s Holmes Cultural Diversity Center, Division of Access, Opportunity and Success, and other campus units, feature music, art, history, virtual reality experiences and more.

—Feb. 2, 7 p.m., Dawgs After Dark: “Till” Movie Screening, Taylor Auditorium in McCool Hall. “Till” is based on the true story of educator and activist Mamie Till-Bradley, who pursued justice after the murder of her 14-year-old son Emmett Till in 1955.

—Feb. 6, 7 p.m., “Cross That River,” Lee Hall, Bettersworth Auditorium. This Lyceum Series performance showcases the musical story of the first Black cowboys settling in the West in the 1860s. It is free for MSU students, and MSU employees and the general public can purchase tickets at https://msstate.universitytickets.com/?cid=167.

—Feb. 7-18, Called to Create: Celebrating Black Artists II, Colvard Student Union Art Gallery. This art exhibition showcases forms of Black art pieces from students and community members.

—Feb. 13, 6 p.m. Loving Ourselves, Loving Our Hair, Ballroom U at Colvard Student Union. Author, filmmaker and activist St. Clair Detrick-Jules will be the featured speaker, discussing themes of Black hair and self-love from her book “My Beautiful Black Hair: 101 Natural Hair Stories from the Sisterhood.” She will encourage students to consider their own stories, identities and communities. A meet and greet reception will be held from 5-6 p.m. in the Old Main Lounge in Colvard Student Union.

—Feb. 14, Noon-4 p.m., Douglas Day, Mitchell Memorial Library, Atrium. Join University Libraries’ celebration of Frederick Douglass’ birthday by exploring his letters and helping to make them available worldwide.

—Feb. 15, 6 p.m., Celebrating Black History: Trivia Extravaganza, Colvard Student Union, Dawg House. Join the Office of Access and Success for a trivia game celebrating the contributions of Black individuals throughout history.

—Feb. 15, 6 p.m., “Why Not Me?” Thompson Hall, Tully Auditorium. Join the College of Forest Resources for a panel discussion highlighting the contributions of Black individuals in conservation and natural resources.

—Feb. 21, Noon-4 p.m., Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. VR Experience, Mitchell Memorial Library, MaxxSouth Digital Media Center. Join University Libraries for VR programs that allow participants to experience Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and work.

—Feb. 22, 2-4 p.m., Black History Month Faculty and Staff Social, Colvard Student Union, Dawg House. Join the Office of Inclusive Excellence for a networking mixer providing refreshments and opportunities for MSU faculty and staff to build and strengthen their connections.

—Feb. 22, 6 p.m. “Why Not Me? Speaker Series” featuring Keena Graham, superintendent of the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument, Tully Auditorium in Thompson Hall. The College of Forest Resources hosts Graham who will celebrate and amplify the contributions and voices of underrepresented communities in conservation and natural resources.

—Feb. 24, all day, Journey Through Black History Month Trip to Emmett Till Interpretive Center and GRAMMY Museum. Join the Inclusive Excellence Committee on a tour of the Emmett Till Interpretive Center and GRAMMY Museum in Sumner and Cleveland.

—Feb. 25, 6 p.m., Celebration of Gospel, TBD. Join the HCDC and Center for Student Activities for a night of gospel music.  

—Feb. 27, 6 p.m., Talented 100, Lee Hall, Bettersworth Auditorium. Join MSU’s Men of Excellence Program, I.D.E.A.L. Woman Program and the Black Student Association for a night showcasing the university’s Black talent.

—Feb. 29, 7 p.m., Hiplet Ballerinas, Lee Hall, Bettersworth Auditorium. This Lyceum Series event features the Chicago group that fuses classical pointe technique with African, Latin, hip-hop and urban dance styles from communities of color. It’s free for MSU students, and MSU employees and the general public can purchase tickets at https://msstate.universitytickets.com/?cid=167.

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