February is Black History Month, an annual celebration of the accomplishments and contributions of Black Americans to culture and society. Austin Community College District (ACC) commemorates the month with multiple events open to ACC faculty, staff, students, and the community.
This year’s theme is African Americans and the Arts: How the Arts Shaped Black Culture. The events are sponsored by ACC’s Office of Belonging & Purpose, Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) Center, African-American Cultural Center, and Bold Representation of Achievement through Student Support (BRASS) program.
ACC hosts a kickoff celebration for its 2024 Black History Month event series on Thursday, February 1, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the TRHT Center (ACC Highland Campus, Building 4000).
Some of the other events planned in February include:
Salon/Barbershop Talk: What Defines Culture?!
Tuesday, February 13 | 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Highland Campus, Building 4000 | Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Center
Participants will join an interactive discussion examining the elements of culture and behavior, both learned and innate, and how they have and will continue to shape perspectives and preserve diverse traditions and rich artistry.
Understanding My Love for African American History and Culture: Q&A With Professor Roland Hayes
Thursday, February 15 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
ACC Eastview Campus, Building 2000 | African American Cultural Center
Join a lively discussion with Professor Roland Hayes to learn about African-American history and culture.
Art Exhibition: Celebrating Local Black Art and Artists
Thursday, February 22 | 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Eastview Campus, Building 2000 | African American Cultural Center
Local artists will present work, discuss factors influencing and inspiring their art, and share what it means to be a Black artist in a rapidly gentrifying space.
The Evolution of Hip-Hop: A Cultural Movement
Monday, February 26 | 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Riverside Campus | Auditorium, Rm 8111
Join film education leader and TV veteran Rakeda L. Ervin for an interactive discussion about hip-hop culture. This moderated conversation will explore the evolution of hip-hop from being hated to being celebrated.
View the full list of events on ACC’s Black History Month web page.
ACC Talks Black History Month Interview Series
Share your story! ACC invites you to participate in our Black History Month employee and student spotlight series. Fill out this form for an opportunity to be featured in our 2024 series.
Student Essay Contest
The college also hosts a Black History Month essay contest on African Americans and the Arts. Essays must be received via email by 5 p.m., Monday, February 19. Please send to [email protected]. The top two essays will be awarded a $50 and $25 prize, respectively. Encourage students to submit an essay.
More details on the essay contest are available on ACC’s Black History Month web page.