Mercer University has a variety of events planned in celebration of Black History Month this year. Here are some events that will be held in Macon and/or online. Want to add your campus event to this list? Email honaker_am@mercer.edu. Fill out this form to have your event included on Mercer’s online calendar.
QuadWorks’ Black History Month Kick Off
When: 6 p.m. Feb. 4
Where: Connell Student Center, Conference Room 3
Details: Participants will be quizzed on Black history and culture, and the winning teams will receive prizes.
Storytellers Macon presents “Black Girl Magic, Black Boy Joy”
When: 7 p.m. Feb. 8
Where: Grant’s Lounge
Details: Black-identified storytellers are invited to take the stage to share their stories. The event is hosted by artist and radio personality Tiara Ponce and will feature storytellers Kiara Jackson and Lewis Young. Students and community members can sign up to share their stories.
Orange and Black Table Talk
When: 7 p.m. Feb. 10
Where: Connell Student Center, Conference Room 3
Details: This event, sponsored by QuadWorks, is modeled after Facebook’s “Red Table Talk” series. Up to eight participants will discuss topics and issues relative to the Black community through a moderator. The audience will be able to participate in a candid conversation about being Black at Mercer.
Black History Month Speaker
When: 6 p.m. Feb. 15
Where: Connell Student Center, Conference Room 3
Details: Pastor Paul Little of Bibb Mount Zion Baptist Church, will be the featured speaker for this event. He is known for being innovative, progressive and passionate. The event is sponsored by QuadWorks and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and attendees will receive a small gift.
Social Justice Book Club meeting
When: 6-7:30 p.m. Feb. 21
Where: Zoom. Join the Facebook group and use this link (passcode Toby).
Details: The book for discussion will be “Women, Race and Class” by Angela Davis.
Black History Month Symposium on “Challenges to the Black Church”
When: 7-8:30 p.m. Feb. 24
Where: Zoom. Register in advance.
Details: The event will include a keynote speech by the Rev. Dr. Edward Wheeler, former president of Christian Theological Seminary, and a panel discussion with Dr. David Gushee, Denise Bell and James Bumpus. The symposium is sponsored by Mercer’s Africana studies program and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Annual Minority Student Success Conference
When: 4 p.m. Feb. 25
Where: In person at the President’s Dining Room, University Center, and on Zoom
Details: Mercer first- and second-year students, faculty, staff and alumni are invited to this annual event sponsored by Mercer’s Office of Minority Affairs. The conference’s theme is “A Cultural Reset: From Reflection to Response,” and the program will include a keynote speech by Dr. Krista Mincey, panel discussion and scholarship presentation. Topics addressed will include academic success, financial literacy, mental health and self-care, campus resources, connecting with faculty and more. Advanced registration is required to attend in person, as seating is limited.
Black History Month Cookout
When: 5 p.m. Feb. 28
Where: Cruz Plaza
Details: QuadWorks will conclude Black History Month with a cookout on Cruz. All students are invited, and student organizations created for and by Black students will be highlighted. Attendees can receive Black History Month shirts designed through a student design competition.
