COLORADO SPRINGS — Feb. 1 is the first day of Black History Month honoring the triumphs of Black Americans throughout our nation's history.
The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) kicked off the month with a community forum to talk about what progress looks like in today's society. It's part of a three-day event aimed at continuing the goals of Martin Luther King Jr. by including students in the conversation.
Chet Sisk, a Denver-based author, was the keynote speaker at the event. He said staying open-minded is key for younger generations to push for change in their communities.
"I'm a true believer in integration. I think that it's an extension of diversity if you will. But it just requires more of an intention about the value of each of our cultures into this space," he said.
Along with recognizing the history of Black Americans, Sisk said this month should also be about shaping progress by looking toward the future.
"I hope that we get to the place of starting to think about Black 'future' month," he said. "What will we look like as a society over the next few years? And how can we lead, particularly inside the African American culture, to lead this new change, this new way of thinking?"
UCCS is hosting several events throughout Black History Month, including community forums, workshops, and activities:
Thursday, Feb. 2
- 9-10 a.m.: Service Opportunity – Story Time at the Family Development Center, UCCS Family Development Center
- 10-11 a.m.: Collaborative Arts as Activism at UCCS: A Brainstorming and Organizing Session, University Center 122
- 11-12:30 a.m.: Inclusive Excellence Workshop, MOSAIC and LGBTQ+ Resource Center
- 4-5 p.m.: A Latinx’s Lotería: Remedying Discrimination through Action, University Center 124
- 6-7 p.m.: Changemakers Panel, University Center 307
- 7-9 p.m.: Black History Month Trivia Night, Clyde's Gastro Pub at 1420 Austin Bluffs Pkwy
Friday, Feb. 3
- 8:30-11 a.m.: Cool Science “Screaming Balloons,” Monument Academy at 1150 Village Ridge Point, Monument, CO 80132
- 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Service Opportunity – Volunteer with ReStore, ReStore South at 411 South Wahsatch Ave.
- 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.: Restorative Dialogue Circle, University Center 122
- 3:30-5 p.m.: Service Opportunity – Site Projects at the Family Development Center, UCCS Family Development Center
- 6-7 p.m.: Social Movements History and Action: Anti-Oppressive Practices, University Center 124
Monday, Feb. 6
- 3-6 p.m.: Creative Activism Workshop, zine making, collage building, and resource sharing, EPC 237 in the Library
Tuesday, Feb. 7
- 5-8 p.m.: Join MOSAIC for the start of National Black History Month, Berger Hall
Thursday, Feb. 23
- 6-8 p.m.: "I Am Not My Hair" Dialogue on the CROWN Act, University Center Room 307
Tuesday, Feb. 28
- 3:30-5 p.m.: Banned Books Program, MOSAIC and LGBTQ+ Resource Center (UC 110)
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