BSC celebrates African-American culture and heritage

For Immediate Release
Feb. 5, 2019

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.—Lectures and a gala are among the special events planned throughout February to engage the campus and community as Birmingham-Southern College observes Black History Month.

The events are sponsored by the college’s Cross Cultural Committee ; most are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Brandon Brown in the Office of Student Development at (205) 226-4728.

Highlights include:

A talk by Afro-Latino international speaker, writer, and artist Zahira Kelly about her experience as a woman pursuing her artistic career and using her voice and creativity to produce change, Tuesday, Feb. 5, 11 a.m., Norton Center Theatre.

Kelly, a New York City native who lives in Georgia, speaks across the country, co-hosted the Afrolatino Festival 2017 Concert, and appeared at TEDx Women-Mexico City. She writes an advice column at TheNewInquiry.com, and is creator and author of Bad-Dominicana, an Afro-Latina feminist blog with a large and growing following. Her visual art is dedicated to highlighting the beauty of AfroLatina and other women of color. It has been exhibited at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston, among other galleries and publications.

A talk "The Trials and Tribulations of Being the First" with Danny Carr, Jefferson County District Attorney, Thursday, Feb. 14, 11 a.m., Norton Theatre.

Carr, an Ensley native who grew up near BSC, was elected Jefferson County District Attorney in November 2018. The Miles Law School graduate had just started working in the D.A.’s office in 2001 when his younger brother was murdered. “You understand and have real empathy for the people who come the DA’s office seeking the same justice I was seeking,” Carr said. “Every day, I walk that fine line to make sure I’m not swayed by emotion while making sure I do the job and do what is right—but still relying on how I felt at the time.”

The Fourth Annual Black History Gala, Friday, Feb. 22, 7-10:30 p.m., Bruno Great Hall. Purchase tickets here. Tickets are $15 for BSC students, faculty, and staff; $18 for guests. Students can receive an additional discount with this code: STUDGALA19.

Enjoy an elegant evening celebrating Black History Month on the Hilltop with the college's 4th Annual Gala. Sample delicious food and beverages and enjoy an evening dedicated to honoring black students, faculty, and staff as we highlight their accomplishments during the 2018-19 academic year. Attire is formal.

A talk "Keep Looking Beautiful" by artist Erin Mitchell, Thursday, Feb. 28, 11 a.m., Norton Theatre.

Mitchell, who graduated from the Art Institute of Chicago and taught in Chicago before returning to Birmingham, has been recognized for her representation of black women in art.

Her interest in teaching and continued passion for art led Mitchell to Columbia College Chicago, where she graduated with her master’s degree in art education in 2016. Mitchell has worked with youth in the Chicago Public Schools and nonprofit organizations throughout the city, showing work and facilitating programing. As a former resident artist of AMFM Gallery in Chicago, she exhibited her solo show, “Black Sauce,” featuring works centered in black portraiture in 2016 and showed her most recent work, KINSHIP, in 2018.

About Birmingham-Southern College:
Birmingham-Southern College is a four-year, private liberal arts institution in Birmingham, Ala., founded in 1856 and affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It enrolls about 1,300 students from more than 30 states and 8 foreign countries. Learn more online at www.bsc.edu.