The Harvey and Lucinda Gantt Multicultural Center is hosting several virtual and in person events to celebrate Black History Month. I had the opportunity to speak to Larissa Jenkins, who is the co-chair of Black History Month at Clemson, to learn more about these events.
One of the major events that Clemson has been hosting in recent years is Soul Food Sunday, which occurs every Sunday in February from 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. via Zoom. During this event, an experienced chef will be demonstrating how to cook elegant, yet healthy and affordable southern comfort inspired entrees. Larissa says that usually, this event is hosted “to bridge the gap between student athletes and non-student athletes” by sharing a meal together and discussing how to better the relationship between these two groups. This year, due to COVID-19, all of the food made during Soul Food Sunday will be donated to a local homeless organization. Here’s the link to register for this event: https://clemson.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIrcu6hqjIrE9Ldl5mU_bgxab6jSTFdFfi_
On Feb. 20 from 2 p.m.–5 p.m., the Gantt center is giving students the opportunity to learn more about artistry and the Harlem Renaissance through the Expressions Noir event, which will be located in the Hendrix conference room. This event will be focused on Black artists throughout history and those who are making a difference in the world today.
The Gantt Center is also hosting a Call my Name, Clemson event that gives students the opportunity to hear from Dr. La’Neice Littleton, author Dr. Rhondda R. Thomas and other collaborators about Thomas’ book, Call My Name, Clemson: Documenting the Black Experience in an American University Community. This presentation will give students insight into some of the experiences Black students have had at Clemson. This event will take place on Feb. 21 from 4 p.m.–5:30 p.m. and you can register through this link: https://clemson.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vRC3a7-cTwC1RfkM16AXCQ
You can also register for a panel discussion about this event called Is This What Change Looks Like: Clemson 2020? This will take place on Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. and you can register through this link:
https://clemson.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAodemurjsvHNRhFfeePIHTGT9NKLK8jYmj
Another event hosted by the Gantt center in celebration of Black History Month is Hustle and Flow, which is a new addition this year and allows students to learn more about popular hustle dances in Black culture. This will serve as a great opportunity for students to learn more about these dances, while getting exercise and engaging with others. Here’s the link to register for this event via Zoom on Feb. 26 from 5 p.m–.6:15 p.m.: https://clemson.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwod–hrDopGN3h8IGcBcBXJty8hLYG732P
One of the most popular Black History Month events at Clemson are the Call My Name Tours, which include guided Call My Name walking tours, guided cemetery tours and self-guided Call My Name walking tours. These tours are available for anyone in the Clemson community and will take place throughout the day on Feb. 28. You can register for these different tours through these links:
https://forms.gle/7wGV19wqFtgnhrZN6
https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/[email protected]/bookings/
