Artists and activists to visit campus for Black History Month

Pitt-Bradford will host black artists and activists, celebrate black scientists and politicians and hold a series of discussions about race as part of its Black History Month observance.

All activities are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.

The month will begin with a kickoff dinner from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 1 in the KOA Dining Room featuring music by African-American artists and special dishes. There is a cost for the meal.

Actor Keith Hamilton Cobb will spend time working with theater students, then perform his one-man show, “American Moor,” which examines the experience and perspective of black men in America through the metaphor of The performance will take place at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2 in the Bromeley Family Theater in Blaisdell Hall.

“Real Talk” discussions will be held each Tuesday. Each discussion will be held twice - once from noon to 1 p.m. in Room 218 of the Frame-Westerberg Commons and once from 9 to 10 p.m. in Dining Rooms A&B off of the café in the Commons. Topics are “Non-racists vs. Anti-racists” on Feb. 7; “Exploitation of Black Youth Ideas and Culture” on Feb. 14; “Black Activism Past and Present” on Feb. 21; and “Post-election - Now What?” on Feb. 28.

Orin James, instructor of biology, will make presentations on two prominent black scientists and lead participants in a short experiment concerning his work. At 6:30 p.m. Feb. 28 in Room 205 of Fisher Hall, he will talk about the American botanist and inventor George Washington Carver, who was famous for his promotion of peanuts as a nutritious and flexible crop.

At 7 p.m. Feb. 22 in Fisher 205, James will present on Charles Drew, a doctor, surgeon and medical researcher who researched and improved methods for blood transfusions and storage and who pioneered the use of blood banks during World War II. Seating for both events is limited. Those wishing to attend should make a reservation with James at ojames@pitt.edu.

At 9 p.m. Feb. 9 in the Mukaiyama University Room of the Frame-Westerberg Commons, the Student Activities Council presents poetry slam champion Porsha O, who describes herself as a “poet, dyke-god, hip-hop feminist, womanist, friend.”

On Feb. 15, Pitt-Bradford will hold a free movie showing for the community at the Bradford Main Street Movie House at 8 p.m. The movie will be “Southside with You,” a 2016 movie about the early romance of Barack and Michelle Obama.

The Student Activity Council will show another free movie, the Netflix original Oscar-nominated documentary “13th” about the 13th Amendment of the Constitution, at 8:30 p.m. Feb. 17 in the Mukaiyama University Room.

Motivational speaker Frank Kitchen will talk about diversity, inclusion and leadership as part of the Pitt-Bradford Leadership Development Seminar for students at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18 in the University Room.

The annual Miss and Mr. Blue and Gold Pageant will be held at 8 p.m. Feb. 23 in the Bromeley Family Theater, followed by Midnight Breakfast featuring the Diamond Steppers starting at 11 p.m. in the KOA Dining Hall.

The annual Cultural Festival featuring Celtic themes will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Frame-Westerberg Commons. There is a fee for those who wish to eat from international tasting stations.

On Feb. 27, Monti Washington will speak about his journey from homeless child to basketball champion, poet, actor and activist. His talk will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the University Room.

Other events throughout the month include service at The Friendship Table, an “I love My Hair” program with free haircuts and styling for hair of all types, and Black History Month Jeopardy.