February is Black History Month and the Sistahood organization of Washburn has several events planned for Washburn students and faculty.

Every Monday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. for the month of February, Sistahood and Mabee Library will host a tribute to African American Literature in honor of Black History Month. Readings will include pieces such as the Birmingham letter and the “I Have a Dream” speech. Refreshments will be provided courtesy of Mabee Library.

“We’ve invited students and faculty to come out and read or recite African American literature of their choice,” said Sylvian Arceneaux, Sistahood president.

Monday, February 3, students were invited to watch a viewing of the movie “American Violet” in Henderson Room 100 at 7 p.m. “American Violet” is the true-life tale of a young woman who confronts a racist district attorney and depicts the consequences of racial profiling in America.

Professor Sharon Sullivan will be leading post-screening commentary. Popcorn and lemonade will be provided. The event is co-sponsored by women’s and gender studies and is hosted by Sistahood.

Thursday, February 6 and Friday, February 7, is National Black HIV/AIDS awareness day. There will be a booth in the Union on those days from 11a.m. to 1 p.m.

Thursday, February 13 will be movie night at HC 112 with the showing of “The Butler” and Thursday, February 27 will be the showing of the movie “Fruitvale Station.”

Fifty years of Civil Rights issues in America Exhibit will be on display throughout the month of February in the Union. It is not yet confirmed, but Sistahood is hoping to sell soul food items in the Union on Fridays throughout February as well.

Black History month, also referred to as African American History month, resulted from a week event celebrated during February in 1926.  The week was initially chosen as it included the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Later the celebration was expanded to one month.

During the nation’s bicentennial year, in 1976, President Gerald Ford urged Americans to take the opportunity to honor the accomplishments of black Americans who were too-often overlooked.  Since then every United States president has issued African American History month proclamations.

For more information about Black History month events at Washburn contact: sylvian.arceneaux@washburn edu