Kellogg Community College will continue its annual celebration of Black History Month in February with a series of community events focused on the African American experience.
All Black History Month events at KCC are free and open to the public unless otherwise indicated and take place on KCC’s campus at 450 North Ave. in Battle Creek.
“Closet Chronicles: Hair & Identity”
Art exhibit by Keila Strong, showing through Feb. 12
Eleanor R. and Robert A. DeVries Gallery, Davidson Visual and Performing Arts Center
Chicago artist Keila Strong presents nearly two dozen unique mixed-media mosaics that explore identity at the intersection of hair and fashion in Black culture through images made from everyday objects found in Black homes.
Lunch ’n’ Learn “Farming While Black” Film Screening with Special Guest Devon Wilson
Noon. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3
Kellogg Room
Participants will enjoy a pizza lunch while learning about food equity at this special screening of the documentary, “Farming While Black: Reclaiming Land and Agricultural Heritage,” with guest speaker Devon Wilson. Wilson is a farmer, food systems strategist and community builder based in Battle Creek. He is also the founder of Sunlight Gardens, a Black-led organic urban farm and food access hub advancing regenerative agriculture, food sovereignty and local economic development.
Sojourner Truth Lecture with Donna Rickman
1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12
Student Center
Donna Rickman is a prominent Sojourner Truth historian and reenactor known for bringing to life the powerful story of abolitionist and women’s rights activist Sojourner Truth through her passionate research and presentations. Participants will learn more about Truth as a woman who left a lasting legacy and is an integral part of Battle Creek history.
DeVries Lecture Series: Arist Keila Strong
3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12
Eleanor R. and Robert A. DeVries Gallery, Davidson Visual and Performing Arts Center
Chicago artist Keila Strong will discuss her work as part of the College’s ongoing DeVries Lecture Series. Strong’s lecture will be immediately followed by a closing reception for her exhibit “Closet Chronicles: Hair & Identity.”
From Motown to Mic Drop: A Karaoke Celebration of Black Music
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17
Student Center
Participants can join in to sing popular Motown classics.
Faculty Talk: “Music and Civil Rights in Battle Creek”
1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24
Spring Lake Room of the KCC Library
KCC History Professor Michelle Wright will give a faculty talk focused on music and civil rights in Battle Creek history.
Soul Food Luncheon
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25
Kellogg Room
A Black History Month favorite, the Soul Food Luncheon returns this year with a menu including a choice of traditional fried chicken or ribs with mac and cheese, sweet potatoes, cornbread and collard greens, and dessert choices including banana pudding, pound cake and peach cobbler. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for staff and community members.
Black History Month Business Showcase
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25
Binda Lobby
Celebrate Black History Month by exploring a variety of local businesses and entrepreneurs who enrich our community. The event features vendor displays, opportunities to connect and learn, prize raffles and more.
In addition to the above events and activities, KCC’s Morris Library will host Black History Month book and movie displays in the library all month long.
For more information about Black History Month events at KCC, visit kellogg.edu/bhm.
For more news about Kellogg Community College, view our latest press releases online at https://daily.kellogg.edu/category/news-releases.
