Throughout February’s Black History Month, Lone Star College-University Park will host several virtual events to celebrate African Americans' achievements and their pivotal role in U.S. history. Centered on a common theme of "Learning from the Past to Influence Our Future," the events encourage engagement in honest, relevant conversations about race and marginalized communities.
The opening event will be led off with greetings and remarks from LSC-University Park President Dr. Shah Ardalan, followed by a virtual presentation featuring Frank Jackson, former mayor of Prairie View, TX (2002-2016). Jackson served as Assistant Vice Chancellor of State Relations at Texas A&M University System and is the current Director of Community Affairs for Prairie View A&M University. He will speak about the historical journey of African American Higher Education in Texas from 1865-1900 on Wednesday, Feb. 3, from 2-3 p.m. To register for this event, visit https://lonestar.webex.com/lonestar/onstage/g.php?MTID=ec7c1f7ef19b29fdad1d00e644c852625.
Nationally-known comedian Jourdain Fisher, who has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and Comedy Central Standup, will deliver a comedic performance focusing on the reality of Black life in the U.S. Fisher, a New York-based comedian who was born and raised in North Carolina, started doing stand-up comedy at the age of 17 to avoid working for his family’s funeral home. His show takes place on Wednesday, Feb. 10, from 5-6 p.m. Visit https://thecollege.fun/LSCcomedy0210 for more information and to sign up.
"LSC-University Park is dedicated to promoting diversity and advancing equity every day, which is central to our culture," LSC-University Park President Dr. Shah Ardalan said. "These events not only help celebrate our African American students, faculty and staff, but also encourage our entire college community to seek a better and deeper understanding of African American culture and history. The story of the United States cannot be told without honoring the countless contributions of Black Americans.”
The full listing of LSC-University Park’s Black History Month events includes:
- Frank Jackson: African American Higher Education in Texas 1865-1900
Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2-3 p.m.
The former mayor of Prairie View and the current Director of Community Affairs for Prairie View A&M University will speak about the historical journey of African American Higher Education in Texas from 1865-1900
Go to https://lonestar.webex.com/lonestar/onstage/g.php?MTID=ec7c1f7ef19b29fdad1d00e644c852625 to register.
- Comedian: Jourdain Fisher
Wednesday, Feb. 10, 4-5 p.m.
Fisher, a nationally-known standup comedian, will deliver a comedic performance focusing on the reality of Black life in the U.S.
Visit https://thecollege.fun/LSCcomedy0210 for more information and to sign up.
- #OneLSCStudentLife presents: Preacher Moss, "End of Racism"
Wednesday, Feb. 10, 6:15-7:15 p.m.
Comedian and lecturer Preacher Moss is recognized as an industry standard for being a tough, honest and brilliantly funny voice on the conversation of race, diversity and understanding in the world. For information and to register: bit.ly/LSCPreacherMoss.
- Odell Bizzell: What Would Dr. King and Malcolm X Teach in 2021?
Tuesday, Feb. 16, 1-2 p.m.
Odell Bizzell is a nationally-recognized speaker who has been featured in USA Today and on CNBC.com. He's shared the same stage with Stephen A. Smith, Oprah Winfrey and David Letterman. He pulls no punches with the way he presents his expertise, but he says it in a way that helps encourage understanding, empathy and positive action. For more information and to register, visit https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VY6T7eZ1R4G7ztuUBSTwBA
- Guided Canvas Painting: Paint by Numbers
Tuesday, Feb. 23, 1-2 p.m.
A guest art instructor will guide participants through a painting of former first lady Michelle Obama. This event is open to LSC-University Park students only. Each student will be mailed the painting kit and canvas before the workshop.
Throughout the month, LSC-University Park will also highlight African American voices on its social media, including Q&A-style profiles of students, faculty, staff and administrators.
For more information about events, contact UPStudentLife@LoneStar.edu.