Purdue’s Black Cultural Center to host Black History Month events focused on Black Arts Movement

Legendary poet, activist and artist Nikki Giovanni will speak at 7 p.m. Feb. 28 at Stewart Center’s Fowler Hall. (Photo provided) Download image

The Black Cultural Center at Purdue has announced the launch of its 2023 Black History Month events with a focus on the Black Arts Movement and its connection to the advancement of civil rights through art, music, literature and theater. The month will feature distinguished poets, presenters and a film series to highlight the African American experience, culminating with a lecture by legendary poet, activist and artist Nikki Giovanni.

“During Black History Month, we are proud to offer a series of events that highlight the main facets of Black expression in the arts, their significance in the civil rights movement and their inspiring impact on our people and other audiences,” said Anne Marie Edwards, Black Cultural Center director.

The event series will kick off Feb. 13 with a Sydney Portier film series featuring “In the Heat of the Night” and a Feb. 16 screening of the documentary “High on the Hog,” which details the influence of African American cuisine on American culture. The screening also includes a soul food tasting. The month will continue with a cultural art series on Feb. 23 featuring Kentucky Poet Laureates Crystal Wilkinson and Frank X Walker.

“Through the Black Arts Movement, African Americans have made remarkable achievements; feats that have influenced generations of people and shaped culture, literature and art,” said John Gates, Purdue’s vice provost for diversity, inclusion and belonging. “The purpose of these events is not only to celebrate our success, but to build a sense of belonging as we encourage all students to pursue academic excellence.”

On Feb. 28 the center will cap off the celebration with a special evening lecture by renowned poet Nikki Giovanni at 7 p.m. at Stewart Center’s Fowler Hall. During this lecture, Giovanni will discuss her life as an artist, her creative process and how she has used literature to advance civil rights. Giovanni's poetry collections, including works such as "Black Feeling, Black Talk,” “Black Judgement" and "Quilting the Black-Eyed Pea," have provided hope, inspiration and action during the nation's darkest hours. Visit http://bit.ly/2023-NGRegister to register in advance.

To learn more about these events and others, visit the Black Cultural Center’s spring events webpage.