Black History Month At HWC

By Che’Kira Smith
Staff Writer

Harold Washington College celebrates Black History Month with a series of films, lectures, discussions and other fun activities both virtually and in person.

Every year since 1976, people at HWC have come together to celebrate the accomplishments of successful Black people and pay tribute to those who have made a lasting impact on the school's Black history during the month of February.

A screening of “Barack Obama: Finding Hope” was shown Feb. 8 on campus. 

A virtual celebration to launch “Here’s Harold! The Man, The Moment, The Movement”, a book about the life and legacy of Chicago’s 51st and first African-American mayor, Harold Lee Washington, was held Feb. 9. 

On Feb. 22 a virtual event called “For the Culture: Black History Spoken Word Event” was hosted by Aja Humphrey.

The event featured Chicago’s spoken word artist, Hoodraise, who shared that he has been reciting poetry for 15 years, written two books, and has traveled the world. Those in attendance were able to enjoy powerful words from student poets like Maya Washington with “When They See Us” and Nubia Shambee with “Stop Killing Us”. 

The event honored Black heritage, culture, and pride.

Every week until the end of February there will be a new screening and new virtual event. For more information students can go to www.ccc.edu/BHM. 

The Black Student Union also held a series of events to kick off Black History Month. 

A general BSU club meeting was held on Feb. 8 via Zoom where all students were free to participate and hear about what they had in store and how they could join the club. On Feb. 8 students were encouraged to dress in 1980s hip-hop attire to celebrate the culture. On Feb. 23 students came to school in their best HBCU apparel.

More information on events from The Black Student Union can be found by emailing Ashanti “Lewis” Thurman at athurman7@student.ccc.edu.