MRC events to raise awareness of African American heritage

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

During February, the Multicultural Resource Center (MRC) will host a series of events to increase awareness of African American Heritage Month.

“The events highlight the current work and fight for equal rights for everyone,” said Regena Brown, assistant director for multicultural student organizations for the MRC. “Through the events, we hope that students will see that just because they are young, does not mean they can’t inspire change in society.”

The MRC’s African American History Month programs will include:

Feb. 3-28 - “A Queen and Her Crown: A Celebration of Natural Hair.”  This exhibit will display photographs of African American women from the UNC Charlotte community embracing the beauty of natural hair in the Student Union second floor rotunda. There will be a reception for the exhibit at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 4, in Student Union, Room 210.

Feb. 5 - “Let’s Talk About It: Oppression.” This discussion, scheduled for 12:30 p.m., in Student Union, Room 263, will focus on the current struggle to overcome oppression in the United States. Seating is limited for this event.

Feb. 10 - The documentary “The New Black” will be shown at 7 p.m., in the Student Union Movie Theater. The film investigates the intersections of Christianity in the African American church and sexuality. A discussion will follow the screening.

Feb. 18 - The “Women of Color Conversation Series” is designed to create opportunities for women students of color to build and strengthen connections with one another. The event will start at 5:30 p.m., in Student Union, Room 267.

Feb. 19 - “Let’s Talk About It: Micro-aggressions.”  This discussion, which starts at 12:30 p.m., in Student Union, Room 263, will address the concept of micro-aggression in relation to diversity on campus. Seating is limited for this event.

Feb. 19 - UNC Charlotte alumni and local civil rights activist Ben Chavis will participate in the screening of the film “Blood Done Sign My Name” at 7 p.m., in the Student Union Movie Theater. Following the film, there will be a discussion with Chavis about his acts to fight for civil rights. NOTE: This event has been canceled due to technical difficulties.

Feb. 25 - “Bayard Rustin Center and Southerners on New Ground,” part of the N.C. Activist Series, will introduce the work of queer people of color in North Carolina to UNC Charlotte. The event is scheduled for 5 p.m., in Student Union, Room 340 GHI.

The Multicultural Resource Center (MRC) seeks to promote individual student learning and development, provide student services, foster a campus community which promotes student involvement, and develop human and facility resources.