A seven-event schedule began Thursday, Feb. 7, as the Office of Multicultural Student
Services welcomes students, faculty, staff and Big Rapids community members to its
Black History Month celebration.
“Our office has coordinated the 2019 lineup of events to highlight contributions to the arts and in film,” said Michael Wade, OMSS assistant director. “The Black Film Series being held each Thursday will spotlight films and directors who have created thought-provoking productions.”
The film series began Thursday, Feb. 7 with the 1995 motion picture “Higher Learning,” which was directed by John Singleton. Wade said the public is welcome to join the campus community for the free presentations throughout February, all sponsored by OMSS.
- “Malcolm X,” a 1992 film directed by Spike Lee, will be shown Thursday, Feb. 14 at 11 a.m. in the OMSS lobby, in Room 159 of the Ferris Library for Information, Technology and Education (FLITE).
- “Panther,” the 2018 Marvel Studios feature directed by Ryan Coogler, will be shown on Thursday, Feb. 21 at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in the OMSS Lobby.
- “Black America Since MLK-And Still I Rise,” the 2016 Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) series with Henry Louis Gates as host and executive producer will be shown beginning at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28 in the OMSS lobby.
The Black History Month featured presentation is Monday, Feb. 18, with the Kelvin Wade, Jr. Entertainment presentation of “The Meeting,” which begins at 5:30 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom.
“This production will highlight Jeff Stetson’s stage play, which fictionally depicts a 1965 meeting of two leaders of the Civil Rights era, Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,” Wade said. “This event is free and open to the public. We encourage everyone to take the opportunity to celebrate the many contributions that African Americans have made in our society.”
The Black Greek Council also supports OMSS in its presentation of “Black Greek 101,” which will be held Wednesday, Feb. 13, beginning at 7 p.m. in University Center Room 202 B and C. At 6 p.m., on Tues. Feb. 26, You Beautiful Black Woman will lead a discussion on black love in the Founders’ Room of the University Center.
Those with disabilities who wish to take part in Black History Month events are asked to contact the OMSS office by email or by calling (231) 591-2617, at least 72 hours in advance of their program of interest.
PHOTO CAPTION: The Office of Multicultural Student Services has organized the Black
History Month 2019 Celebration at Ferris State University. The featured event will
be a play called “The Meeting,” which will be offered Monday, Feb. 18 at 5:30 in the
University Center Ballroom.