Polk State Celebrates Black History Month With Cultural Events
Polk State College has a slate of events planned through February in honor of Black History Month.
The month-long celebration will include ethnic cuisine, African literature and music, movies with historically important themes, STEM activities by the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP), among other events and presentations.
Dr. Earl Brown, Professor of English and Speech Communication, will present on Feb. 13 “The Role of Language and Imagery in African American Culture,” which will explore the ways in which language and images have shaped and continue to shape the nation’s history and African American culture.
Dr. Brown will share how language and images have continued to serve as crucial catalysts for change – from the time of slavery to issues the country faces today, including police brutality and a declining number of African American males seeking higher education.
“Dr. Brown will give an informative presentation that will be engaging and thought-provoking for all students, staff, faculty, and community members in attendance,” Director of Equity and Diversity Valparisa Baker said.
“We are excited to bring everyone together to enjoy the African American culture through music, food, traditions, and special experiences,” Baker added. “Our events and programs represent the diverse population of students, faculty, and staff we serve at Polk State College.”
All events are free unless otherwise indicated. The events planned for the month include:
Ethnic Cuisine
Feb. 6 | 12 p.m. | Polk State Winter Haven Student Center
Feb. 8 | 12 p.m. | Polk State Lakeland Student Center
Health & Wellness Luncheon Workshops
Feb. 10 | 11:30 a.m. | Polk State Winter Haven Student Center
Sponsored by the Black Student Union
Ethnic Cuisine
Feb. 12 | 11:45 a.m. | Polk State JD Alexander Center
Dr. Earl Brown presents “The Role of Language and Imagery in African American History”
Feb. 13 | 12 p.m. | Polk State Winter Haven Student Center
African Attire, Music & Literature
Feb. 13 | 6:30 – 9 p.m. | Polk State Winter Haven Fine Arts Lobby
Sponsored by the Black Student Union
Refreshments will be provided
Leonardo Cavalli presents “A Valentine’s Day Special: Learning to Love in 2018”
Feb. 14 | 11 a.m. | Polk State Lakeland Student Center
Feb. 15 |12 p.m. | Polk State Winter Haven Student Center
Community Heritage Day Festival
Feb. 17 | 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Northeast Cultural Recreation Center 801 Avenue T, NE, Winter Haven
Co-sponsored by Polk State College
STEM Week: Science Day – Science Experiment Demos
Feb. 19 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Polk State Winter Haven Science Building and Green House
Sponsored by LSAMP
Guess Who?
Feb. 20 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Polk State Winter Haven Student Center
Sponsored by the Student Government Association
STEM Week: Technology & Engineering Day – Student Engagement/Careers in STEM
Feb. 20 | 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | WLR 102
Sponsored by LSAMP
Movie Night: “The Butler”
Feb. 20 | 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | WLR 104
Sponsored by the Black Student Union
Refreshments will be provided
STEM Week: Math Relay – Overcoming My “MATH PHOBIA”
Feb. 21 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | WLR 108
Sponsored by LSAMP
STEM Week: STEM Debate
Feb. 22 | 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. | Polk State Lakeland Student Center
Sponsored by LSAMP
The Truth Behind the Heritage
Feb. 22 | 12 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. | WST 127
Sponsored by the S.I.S.T.E.R.S. Club
Voices of the People Concert Series Beethoven: The Secret Language
Feb. 23 | 7 p.m. | Polk State Lakeland, LTB Atrium
$5 General Public
Bese Saka Festival
Feb. 24 | 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Polk State Winter Haven Student Center
Sponsored by the Black Student Union
Movie Night: “Twelve Years a Slave”
Feb. 28 | 7 p.m. -9 p.m. | WLR 104
Sponsored by the Black Student Union
Refreshments will be provided
Black, Brown & College Bound Summit
Mar. 24 – 28 | Tampa Marriott Waterside
Registration fee applies
To register, visit www.hccfl.edu/bbcb.aspx
Co-sponsored by Polk State College