Jan. 31, 2025
Collaborative Ferris State Black History Month schedule considers university history, offers social, societal opportunities
Moments of reflection and recognition and social gatherings are among Black History Month events scheduled by Ferris State University’s Office of Multicultural Student Services throughout February.
OMSS director Christopher Sanders said beginning his duties at Ferris State during this busy time has been easier thanks to the collaborative spirit of campus partners.
“We are pleased the President’s Office, the Fine Art Gallery, our Music Department and other groups were willing and ready to join in, so we could develop a lineup the university can be proud of,” Sanders said. “This is also an opportunity to acknowledge the historical significance of this area, as the ‘Old Settlers’ claimed land and made homes here, some prior to the Civil War.”
Ferris State President Bill Pink and Vice President for Diversity, Inclusion and Strategic Initiatives David Pilgrim will host a “Fireside Chat” at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 4 in the David L. Eisler Center ballroom. This event was rescheduled from the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration earlier in January due to dangerously cold weather.
“It is important to consider significant points in the history of Ferris’ leadership and the university’s intentions for inclusivity and social justice in the future. We are thankful our campus leaders will speak to this priority,” Sanders said. “Our office is glad to support the 30th anniversary of the Black Leaders Aspiring for Critical Knowledge or ‘B.L.A.C.K. Image Awards’ in Williams Auditorium, starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8 and our office’s students are excited about a Spades tournament starting Tuesday, Feb. 11.”
Other events on the Black History Month schedule include: Thursday, Feb. 13, the opening reception for the “Insoluble Fibers” artist exhibit, starting at 5 p.m. in the Fine Art Gallery; Tuesday, Feb. 18, a trivia program led by the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance, 5:30 p.m. in The Den; Thursday, Feb. 20, the movie “Hidden Figures of Oppression” will be shown at 5 p.m. in Room 217 of the David L. Eisler Center; Tuesday, Feb. 25, the “Old Settlers” presentation on the arrival of African American residents in west central Michigan, 11 a.m. in Ballroom C of the Eisler Center and Wednesday, Feb. 26, an Ferris State Jazz Band concert in Williams Auditorium, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
“Updates on event room assignments and other program notes will be available on the OMSS social media pages,” Sanders said. “Those who require accommodations to participate in events are asked to contact the OMSS office at (231) 591-2617 at least 72 hours in advance.”