Black History Month - African American Studies University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

Read: Why Black History Month?

by Dr. Alphonso Simpson, Jr., Director of African American Studies and Assoc. Prof of Sociology at UW Oshkosh

Most schools still teach a history curriculum which focuses on traditional events and the achievements of white figures. Black History Month gives everyone the opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of black heritage and culture.

Known as the “Father of Black History”, Carter G Woodson was born in Virginia in 1875 and was the son of former slaves. Growing up, access to a good education and job opportunities were limited, but he ended up studying at one of the few high schools for black students after saving money from working as a coal miner. Over the years he gained an impressive number of qualifications, including a PhD in history from Harvard University. In 1926 he sent out a press release to mark the first Black History Week in the US. Throughout his life, Carter G Woodson worked tirelessly to promote black history in schools, leaving an indelible legacy.

The event was expanded in 1970, and since 1976 every US president has officially designated February as Black History Month in the US. February was chosen in the US because it coincides with the births of former President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass – who escaped slavery and became a key social activist. Both men played a significant role in helping to end slavery.

Dr. Woodson wanted to increase the knowledge of Black history within black communities, but he was just as anxious to spread it to interested others. He was convinced of the therapeutic power of Black history: Blacks would be seen as integral to the country if their contributions were known. Explaining his plan, Woodson wrote “If a race has no history, if it has no worth-while tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated.”

In 1940, W.E.B. DuBois declared that Negro History Week was one of the great 1920’s cultural innovations. The week helped Blacks to overcome the sense of inferiority that was the inheritance of slavery and Jim Crow. Much of what the public knows today about black people of the past comes from Dr. Carter G. Woodson’s plan for a February celebration.

Watch: The True History of Black History Month

from: The Cincinnati Herald

February 2024 Calendar of Events

Monday, February 5

Black History Month Tabling
10am – 1pm
SAGE HALL Lobby
Come out to get your Black History Month Buttons, Candy, Flyers, Posters, and Notifications for upcoming events from members of the UWO African American Studies Club (AASC)

Monday Night Movie – Cadillac Records
6:00p
Sage Hall 1210
FREE Admission/Popcorn/Candy
Watch Trailer
Talkback Led by: Dr. Simpson and AASC Board

Tuesday, February 6

Divine Voices and Heritage Gospel OPEN Choir Rehearsal
6:30p – 8:00p
Arts and Communications Bldg. Rm. N28
Come out and see how you fit into the phenomenology of Gospel Music singing. No Auditions Required! For questions e-mail Dr. Simpson: simpsona@uwosh.edu

Wednesday, February 7

Open Lecture with Dr. Alphonso Simpson – “Stony the Road We Trod, Bitter the Chast’ning Rod”
1:50 – 3:20pm
Sage Rm -1210
Join in on Dr. Simpson’s lecture in person as he highlights the events that lead from the Harlem Renaissance up to the Black Arts Movement and beyond.

Alphademics
6pm – 8pm
Sage 3232
Come join the Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc to enhance and increase your academic study skills and to get assistance in locating resources on campus to better enhance your educational experience.

Thursday, February 8

Black History Month Tabling in Reeve Union
10am – 1pm
Reeve Union Concourse
Come out to get your Black History Month Buttons, Candy, Flyers, Posters, and Notifications for upcoming events from members of the Black Student Union (BSU)

Open Lecture with Dr. Julia Chybowski – “Black Concert Music in a Time of Enslavement
9:40am – 11:10am
Arts and Communications Bldg. Rm – N211
Come join Professor Chybowski’s music history class to learn from her original research that brings to light a story about singer Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield (AKA the “Black Swan”). This inspiring Black musician was born into enslavement in the plantation south and later built a career as a concert singer who earned international acclaim—all before the Civil War. During and after the war, Greenfield continued performing, with a focus on charity concerts and philanthropy. Professor Chybowski’s lecture will also contextualize Greenfield’s career and reception within the Antebellum musical entertainment industry.

Black History Month Spotlight featuring Dr. Alphonso Simpson, Jr. – Director of African American Studies – 5:00pm
90.3 WRST-FM
Spotlighting individuals and discussing issues, events, and activities relevant to African Americans on the UWO Campus. Hosted by: Wendell Ray

R&B Line Dancing
6pm – 8pm
Reeve 202
Come out and join us for a night of fun and learning of traditional African American R&B line dances. Sponsored by BSU and led by members of the BSU board, dress appropriately and be ready to get your groove on!

Friday, February 9

Free 90s Hip-Hop Step Workout Class
8:00pm
Student Rec & Wellness Center Studio C & D
Come and get a fast-paced Hip-Hop cardio workout with Consistent Glow Fitness and the African American Studies Club. Make sure you bring your gym shoes, some active wear, and water!

Saturday, February 10

The Art of Double Dutch (Workshop)
Noon to 5pm
Albee Hall Upper Gym (Room 201)
Lace up your sneakers to Come out and experience the phenomenon of Double Dutch Rope jumping. This interactive workshop is open to jumpers of all skill levels. Whether you are merely interested or are an experienced jumper, come out for this FREE and exciting opportunity to learn the African American Art of recreational rhythm, dance, and exercise.

Sponsored by: Consistent Glow Fitness and the African American Studies Club

Sunday, February 11

Black History Month Sunday Service
10:00am
Breakthrough Covenant Church

215 E. Washington St. – Appleton, WI

Monday, February 12

Open Lecture with Dr. Michelle Kuhl – “The Origins of Racism”
1:50pm – 3:20pm
Sage Hall 4218
Come join Professor Kuhl’s African American History class to learn about the origins of anti-Black racism. Dr. Kuhl will map out the context of the 17th century Virginia colony and the rise of slavery. Then she will explain the scholarly debate over how racism began with attention to the leading three theories. Was it cultural tension? Political fears? Or economic greed? Ultimately, you get to weigh the evidence and decide for yourself which explanation is the most persuasive.

Monday Night Movie – Love Jones
6:00pm
Sage Hall 1210
FREE Admission/Popcorn/Candy
Watch Trailer
Talkback led by: AASC Board

Tuesday, February 13

Divine Voices and Heritage Gospel OPEN Choir Rehearsal
6:30p – 8:00p
Arts and Communications Bldg. Rm. N28
Come out and see how you fit into the phenomenology of Gospel Music singing. No Auditions Required!For questions e-mail Dr. Simpson: simpsona@uwosh.edu

Wednesday, February 14

Valentine’s Day/Affirmation Card Creation Tabling
10am to 1pm
Reeve Union
Stop by and make a Valentine’s Day Card with the African American Studies Club. Even if you don’t have a Valentine, feel free to make an affirmation card to promote self-love! You’ll never know who may need it!

International Film Society – Film Screening – Killer of Sheep
6:00p
Sage Hall 1210
FREE Admission
Watch Trailer
Film Intro by Dr. Danyelle Greene – Florida Atlantic University Talkback Led by: Dr. Mike Van Esler from Radio, TV, Film Department (UWO)

Thursday, February 15

Black History Month Spotlight featuring Dr. Belynda Pinkston – McNair Scholars Program Coordinator – 5:00pm
90.3 WRST-FM
Spotlighting individuals and discussing issues, events, and activities relevant to African Americans on the UWO Campus. Hosted by: Wendell Ray

Miss Black and Old Gold Scholarship Pageant Informational
6:06pm
Reeve 306
For more information please contact brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc at eta.pi1906@gmail.com

Friday, February 16

A virtual conversation about African American Healthcare in the age of Artificial Intelligence
3:30pm – 5:00pm
Virtual via ZOOM
Log in for an intriguing conversation hosted by Dr. Alphonso Simpson, Jr. with Dr. Inshirah Robinson, Dr. Morgan Bailey, and Dr. Brian Temple to discuss the intersection of Healthcare and Artificial Intelligence and its impact on the African American Community. See the virtual roundtable here – ENJOY!

90s Decade Dance Workshop
6pm – 7:30pm
Student Rec & Wellness Center Studio C & D
Come out and learn some of the most popular dance moves and routines from the 90’s. Participants will be able to dance together the following week at the 2nd Annual Decade Dance! Prepare to bring these dance moves to help you win one of the Decade Dance’s “best of…” categories/contests. Cash and other Prizes will be given!

Mardi Gras Party
9:30pm – 12:00am
Reeve 202
Grab your Mardi Gras Throw beads and your Masquerade Masks to come out and enjoy the New Orleans themed party sponsored by the Black Student Union.

Saturday, February 17

AAS Showcase in Sheboygan
10am – 3pm
South High School – Sheboygan, WI
Keep up with AAS and our outing to Sheboygan via Instagram live and Facebook live

Sunday, February 18

Black History Month Sunday Service
10:00am
Breakthrough Covenant Church
215 E. Washington St. – Appleton, WI

Monday, February 19

Virtual Classroom Lecture – “Womanism and Feminism: Who Knew?”
11:30a – 12:30p
Virtual Via Zoom
Virtual Lecture hosted by Dr. Alphonso Simpson

See the virtual lecture here! ENJOY

Monday Night Movie – “Self-Made” (Docu-Series of Madam C.J. Walker – Parts 1 & 2)
5:30p
Sage Hall 1210
FREE Admission/Popcorn/Candy
Watch Trailer
Co-hosted by: The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and The AAS CLUB

Tuesday, February 20

Virtual Classroom Lecture – What is Blackness in America Today?
11:30a – 1:00p
Reeve 307
Virtual Lecture given by Dr. Alphonso Simpson Zoom Link: Join the class lecture

McNair Scholars Open House
12:30p – 3:30p
Halsey 121 Conference Room
Come out to learn about the McNair Scholarship Program at UWO and all that it has to offer. Light Refreshments will be served.

Divine Voices /Tiny Desk CLOSED Rehearsal
6:30p – 9:00p

Wednesday, February 21

Half-Hearted and Partially Awake: Building Tools and Pathways to Liberatory Management
Presented by Dr. Tia Sherèe Gaynor
Associate Professor of Leadership and Management
University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Click Here to Register
The study and practice of traditional U.S. public management (PM) is often rooted in contextual and historical perspectives that ignore the harms perpetuated by people in power. These approaches are aligned with existing systems of oppression that not only undergird dominant narratives but also uphold false identity-based hierarchies. Such perspectives diminish understandings of the shared humanity between those that benefit from and are most impacted by these systems. This engaged session offers participants the tools of mindfulness and racial healing, within the context of PM, to build a sense of shared humanity that can help serve as a pathway toward liberatory management. Sponsored by the Whitburn Center for Governance and Policy Research.

AAS Club “MNM” Continued – “Self-Made” (Docu-Series of Madam C.J. Walker – Parts 3 and 4)
5:30p
Sage Hall 1210
FREE Admission/Popcorn/Candy
Watch Trailer
Co-hosted by: The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and The AAS CLUB

AAS Liaisons “Difficult Discussions”
7:00p – 8:00p
Virtual via ZOOM
Discussion Topic – Dollars and Sense: Understanding True Financial Literacy in the Black Community
by Mr. Charles Butler, Jr. – Financial Advisor – Wells Fargo
See the virtual discussion here! ENJOY!

Hosted by Dr. Alphonso Simpson, Jr., the African American Studies Program and club is pleased to sponsor “Liaisons,” a discussion series that celebrates interactions between faculty, staff, students, and community leaders from different backgrounds who share an interest in African American Studies. These monthly forums offer an opportunity to exchange ideas on topics relevant to the study of African American history, culture, and experiences. Speakers from diverse fields and backgrounds share knowledge beneficial to all, regardless of career goal or college major.

Thursday, February 22

Black History Month Spotlight featuring UWO Black Student Organization Leaders – 5:00pm
90.3 WRST-FM
Spotlighting individuals and discussing issues, events, and activities relevant to African Americans on the UWO Campus. Hosted by: Wendell Ray

African American Studies NCBS Presentations
5:30pm
Reeve 212AB
Come out to see and hear research presentations by UWO AAS Students who will be presenting in San Jose California next month at the 48th Annual National Council for Black Studies Conference on the following topics:
Artificial Intelligence and Predictive Policing
Mental Health Struggles in the Digital Age
Negative Effects of Social Media on Black Relationships
The Musical Genius of Historical Black Composers
Black Women and Beauty in Social Media
The National Plan to Empower Black America

Game Night
7:30pm – 9:00pm
Reeve 306

Join UWO’s Black Student Union for a night of card games, video-games, and fun! Mario Kart, Spades, UNO and more will be played! Food will also be provided.

Friday, February 23

2nd Annual Decade Dance: “BRING BACK THE 90s!”
7p – 10p
Reeve Union Room 202
Come Dressed up in your best 90s outfits ready to “Bring Da Noize and Pump It Up” with LIVE MUSIC from Professional DJ and UWO Alumn Andre Wallace AKA (dj4000)
$100 prize for best outfit! Prizes for other “best of…”categories

Saturday, February 24

“Know Your Black History” -TRIVIA CONTEST
3:00pm CST
Virtual via ZOOM
(Kahootz style Trivia Game for all interested Undergraduate and High School Students. Be sure to REPRESENT YOUR SCHOOL by wearing a shirt, hat or some clothing item with your school name, logo, or mascot on it) Sponsored by the African American Studies Program at UWO and The National Council for Black Studies (NCBS)
Join Meeting

Black Student Org. Bowling Outing
6:00pm CST
Rev’s Bowl
RSVP using QR Code at an AASC, BSU, L.I.T., or Alpha Organizational Meeting – RSVP’s stop at 40 registrants.

Sunday, February 25

Black History Month Sunday Service
10:00am
Breakthrough Covenant Church
215 E. Washington St. – Appleton, WI

Divine Voices of the Valley (D.V.O.V.) “Tiny Desk” Concert
6:30p
SAGE 1210
FREE ADMISSION – Come out to experience this rehearsal styled performance of Praise and Worship in both contemporary and traditional styled Gospel in a close and intimate setting.

Monday, February 26

Monday Night Movie – Sparkle
6:00p
Sage Hall 1210
FREE Admission/Popcorn/Candy
Watch Trailer
Talkback hosted by AASC Board

Tuesday, February 27

Jubilee Inspired “Middle Ground” (JIM)
7:00p – 9:00p
Titan Underground
Come to our first take on “Middle Ground” inspired by the YOUTUBE Channel Jubilee. Come participate in or watch fellow UWO students engage in candid discussions on various controversial topics Sponsored by the African American Studies Club.

UWO Jazz Ensemble Concert
7:30pm
Arts & Communications Music Hall
Admission: Tickets available for cash at the door
Directed by Dr. Marty Robinson, come out to hear this spectacular performance honoring African American Big-Band Composers from the 1950’s and 60’s including Benny Carter, Oliver Nelson and Quincy Jones.
For questions e-mail Dr. Marty Robinson: robinsm@uwosh.edu

Wednesday, February 28

4th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Celebration and Awards Program/ Oshkosh 94 Scholarship Program
6:30p – 8:00p
Reeve Memorial Union Theater Rm 307
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Corey A. King
UW Whitewater Chancellor, Member Sigma Upsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Thursday, February 29

Open Lecture with Dr. Julia Chybowski – “Music of Enslavement and Resistance”
9:40am – 11:10am
Arts and Communications Bldg. Rm – N211
Drop in to Professor Chybowski’s music history class for a lecture stemming from her original research about a radical Black songwriter who used music to encourage anti-slavery activism in the 1850s. Joshua Simpson’s songs are relatively unknown today, but Chybowski argues that they need to be more widely interpreted as primary artifacts of Black musical activism with a long reaching legacy today.

Black History Month Spotlight featuring Mr. Maurice “Moe” Wince – 5:00pm
90.3 WRST-FM
Spotlighting individuals and discussing issues, events, and activities relevant to African Americans on the UWO Campus. Hosted by: Wendell Ray

“Soulfood and Jazz” with Distinguished Alumn Maurice “Moe” Wince
5:30pm to 8:30pm
Culver Center

For more information about information about individual events,
contact Dr. Alphonso Simpson at simpsona@uwosh.edu or call (920) 424-0964.

African American Studies Program

Sage Hall, Room 3465 and 3466
(920) 424-0939
aasp@uwosh.edu
AASP Brochure

More contact information