Charleston’s Remarkable Series of Events Celebrating Black History Month
The vibrant community of Charleston, South Carolina, is hosting an array of events to honor Black History Month. One of the standout programs is the Office of Institutional Diversity (OID) Signature Speaker Series, which has been designed to foster dialogue and deepen understanding among attendees.
Dante Pelzer Advocates for Diversity in Health Professions
On February 20, 2024, the OID Signature Speaker Series welcomed Dante Pelzer, who serves as the Associate Director of Student Diversity in the Office of Student Engagement at the Medical University of South Carolina. Pelzer, in his enlightening talk, highlighted the issue of diversity and under-representation in health professions. The event was open to the public and was held at the School of Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering Building in Charleston.
Transgressive Reading Practice with Antron D. Mahoney
Following Dante Pelzer, on February 21, Antron D. Mahoney, an African American studies lecturer, presented a thought-provoking talk titled “re\Defining Black Fraternalism: Toward a More Trans/gressive Reading Practice”. Mahoney discussed the complex history and development of Black Greek-lettered organizations, offering an alternative perspective on black fraternity. The lecture was held at the Education Center in the Septima Clark Memorial Auditorium.
Etu Evans Talks About “The Power of a Footprint”
On February 22, celebrity shoe designer, Solesville Foundation founder, and media guru, Etu Evans, graced the OID Signature Speaker Series. Despite early learning challenges, Evans rose to prominence, designing footwear for icons like Beyoncé, Hally Berry, and Danny Glover. In his talk, entitled “The Power of a Footprint,” Evans presented his journey from Orangeburg, South Carolina to the heights of the global fashion industry.
Award-Winning Producer 9th Wonder Shares His Journey
The week of celebrations continued with a unique conversation with 9th Wonder (Patrick Douthit) on February 28. Known for his outstanding contributions to the hip-hop industry, Douthit shared his vast experiences of working with artists like Destiny’s Child, Eryka Badu, Talib Kweli, Ludacris, David Banner and Kendrick Lamar. The session was arranged by the African American Studies Program and the Arts Management Program, showcasing Douthit’s expansive career and his educational initiatives on hip-hop history and production.
A Talk on “Black and Indigenous Solidarities and Antagonisms”
The series of lectures culminated with an insightful talk from Alaina E. Roberts on February 29. Associate Professor of History at the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Roberts, a known specialist in the intersection of Black and Native American Life, discussed “Black and Indigenous Solidarities and Antagonisms” for the annual Black History Month lecture. The distinguished author and scholar further unraveled the intertwining of Black and Native American history, from the Civil War era to the modern day.
In conclusion, through this series of events, Charleston has demonstrated an incredible dedication to fostering inclusivity and enriching understanding of African American culture. The Black History Month celebrations served as an educational and engaging platform, contributing to both the celebration of history and the encouragement of ongoing conversations around racial equality.
