MBU Celebrates Black History Month

Events for Black History Month 2019 come together around the theme “Black Is the New Black.” Here’s a sampling of what’s happening at MBU in January and February to mark the exceptional contributions of African Americans to our national and campus culture.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Service

7 p.m. / Jan. 21 / Central United Methodist Church, 14 N. Lewis St. The 28th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Service for Peace & Justice features Anointed Voices of Praise and Greater Things Dance Ministry. Open to the community, the event is in collaboration with the Staunton branch of the NAACP. (Snow date: Jan. 28)

Spoken Word Artist Ebony Stewart

7 p.m. / Jan. 30 / Miller Chapel. A touring performance artist and slam poet, Ebony Stewart was voted Top Female Touring Poet by the Spoken Word Awards, and she was named co-champion of the 2017 Women of the World Poetry Slam.

Kwanzaa

7 p.m. / Feb. 2 / Hunt West. The 23rd annual Kwanzaa celebration at MBU is inspired by the theme of Black Panther, and features music, dancing, drumming, and storytelling. Sponsored by the Office of Inclusive Excellence; formal African attire is suggested.

Drifting by Tanisha Parson ’19

5 p.m. / Feb. 4 / MBU @ the Wharf. The opening reception for Drifting, senior Tanisha Parson’s exhibition of paintings. Celebrating Black History Month and running through March 29, it’s the first art show to open at MBU’s newest space located at 19 East Johnson St. in Staunton. Open to the community.

Black History Gospel Extravaganza

2 p.m. / Feb. 16 / Francis Auditorium. MBU’s Anointed Voices of Praise Gospel Choir and the Greater Things Dance Ministry combine forces to put on a gospel extravaganza in honor of Black History Month.

Artist Joyce J. Scott

7 p.m. / Feb. 27 / Francis Auditorium. Artist Joyce J. Scott presents the annual Firestone Lecture in Contemporary Art. Scott is known for pieces in beadwork and sculpture that tackle social injustice. Free and open to the community.