ECSU Celebrates Black History Month with Series of Virtual Events
Robert Kelly-Goss
Posted On January 29, 2021
February is Black History Month and Elizabeth City State University has a number of activities to celebrate the history and culture of the African American community, according to professor of history, Dr. Melissa Stuckey.
“This is an incredible line-up of virtual events designed to celebrate and illuminate the rich history of the African American community,” says Dr. Stuckey.
Perhaps one of the most anticipated events will take place on Feb. 25, when celebrated poet and best-selling author, Nikki Giovanni, will speak as part of ECSU’s Community Connections series.
African American banking history will also be highlighted with a Feb. 6 lecture by ECSU history professor, Dr. Glen Bowman. He will present research on the Albemarle Bank, which operated in Elizabeth City from 1920 to 1926.
The African American church as an institution will be featured in a panel discussion via Facebook Live on Feb. 9 sponsored by WRVS 89.9 and W18BB-TV. Speakers include ECSU professors and local clergy.
This event will be followed by the PBS premiere of the two-part series “The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song” on Feb. 16 and 17.
This is just a sampling of the events planned for Black History Month. The full list with links to register follows. Updates to the calendar and additional links can be found HERE.
Because of the on-going pandemic, most 2021 Black History Month events will be held virtually. Unless otherwise noted, the public is invited to attend, but registration is required for all participants.
Thursday, Feb. 4, 2-3:20 p.m.
Dr. Glen Bowman (History, ECSU), “The Bittersweet Story of an Unusual Institution: the Albemarle Bank, 1919-1926”
Registration Link
Thursday, Feb. 4, 7 p.m.
Black History Themed Virtual Bingo (Campus Activities Board)
ECSU only (Vikings Engage)
Saturday, Feb. 6, 2 p.m.
Mr. and Miss ECSU Coronation
WATCH LIVE: https://youtu.be/pTmKjV8vALA
Sunday, Feb. 7, 7 p.m.
Film: Small Axe, ep. 1, “Mangrove”with Dr. Chas Reed (History, ECSU)
Amazon Prime subscription and Watch Partyrequired
Tuesday, Feb. 9, 6 p.m.
Discussion: The Black Church: This is Our Story, This Is Our Song (WRVS 89.9 and W18BB-TV). The link will be provided at a later date. Go HERE for updates.
Thursday, Feb. 11, 2-3:20 p.m.
Dr. Synikka Alek-Chizoba Lofton (English, Norfolk State), Black Families Poetry Reading
Registration Link
Thursday, Feb. 11, 3:30 p.m.
Soul-Food Food Truck (Campus Activities Board)
ECSU only
Thursday, Feb. 11, 4:30 p.m.
African-American Literacy Read-In (English and Digital Media Department)
Registration Link
Sunday, Feb. 14, 7 p.m.
Film: See You Yesterdaywith Dr. Latif Tarik (History, ECSU)
Netflix subscription and Telepartyrequired
Tuesday, Feb. 16, 7 p.m.
Poetry Cafe (Campus Activities Board)
ECSU only (Vikings Engage)
Registration Link
Tuesday, Feb. 16, 9-11 p.m.
Film: The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song, Part I on PBS North Carolina
Wednesday, Feb. 17, 9-11 p.m.
Film: “The Black Church: This is Our Story, This Is Our Song,” Part II on PBS North Carolina
Thursday Feb. 18, 2-3:20 p.m.
Dr. Brandon Winford (History, University of Tennessee), “Large Enough to Serve You, Small Enough to Know You’: The Mechanics and Farmers Bank and Black Banking Networks in the American South, Since 1908”
Registration Link
Friday, Feb. 19, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Cisco’s Connected Black Professionals – Research Triangle Park Chapter Virtual Black History Month College Day (Yolanda Carcana, Career Services)
Students only
Friday, Feb. 19, 11 a.m.
African-American Cemetery Preservation Mini Conference: Day 1
- Workshop
- North Carolina African American Cemetery Preservation Initiative
- Ms. Angela Thorpe, Director of the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission
- The Social and Historic Importance of African American Cemeteries
- Dr. Latif Tarik, Assistant Professor, History, ECSU
- Headstone Cleaning: A Virtual Lesson
- Ms. Melissa Timo, North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and/or Ms. Jessica Cosmas, Museum of the Albemarle
- Moderator and Zoom Facilitator, Dr. Melissa Stuckey
Saturday, Feb. 20, 11 a.m.
African-American Cemetery Preservation Mini Conference: Day 2
Headstone Cleaning Practicum, Oak Grove Cemetery
ECSU only
Sunday, Feb. 21, 7 p.m.
Film: “Time”with Dr. Melissa Stuckey (History, ECSU)
Amazon Prime subscription and Watch Partyrequired
Thursday, Feb. 25, 6-9 p.m.
Honoring Black Life: A Conversation with Nikki Giovanni
Friday, Feb. 26, Time TBA
Prof. Stephan Naylor (ECSU, Music)
