Elizabethtown College will honor and celebrate Black History Month with a series of events and workshops throughout February. In collaboration with the Office of Civil Rights, Opportunity, and Access, along with campus offices and student groups, these events recognize Black achievement and explore ongoing efforts toward equity and inclusion at Etown.
View the schedule of upcoming events below and join the Etown community in honoring Black history and culture:
Black History Month Flag Raising | Friday, Jan. 31 at 4:30 p.m. | BSC Concourse
Celebrate the start of Black History Month with a flag-raising ceremony reflecting this year’s theme, “African Americans and Labor.” Join us as we honor the legacy of Black workers and their transformative contributions to history, culture, and society. This event symbolizes unity, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equity and justice. All are welcome to gather at the BSC Concourse to reflect and celebrate together.
Lunar New Year + Setsuban Celebration | Monday, Feb. 3 at 5 p.m. | Mosaic House
Join us to commemorate the Lunar New Year & Setsuban and learn how different cultures celebrate this holiday! Participate in special traditions such as making dumplings and bean throwing led by members of Etown faculty, staff, and student leaders. Registration is required for this event and space is limited to 25 students. For more information and to register, email International Student Services.
Lefever Lecture featuring Vicki Sokolik | Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. | Leffler Chapel and Performance Center
Join us for the annual Lefever Lecture with Vicki Sokolik, founder of Starting Right, Now (SRN) and author of, “If You See Them: Unhoused and Alone in America.” In her lecture, “Why We Need to De-Criminalize Poverty,” Sokolik will explore the failures of support systems for homeless youth and advocate for systemic change to address the root causes of homelessness and poverty. The event includes a conversation led by alumna Vanessa Philbert MSL ’16, CEO of Lancaster’s Community Action Partnership, an audience Q&A, and a book signing. Don’t miss this compelling discussion on creating long-term change. Registration is required to attend.
Spoken Word Poet Nick Courmon | Friday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. | Jay Lounge
Brought to you by the Office of Student Activities, experience the power of words with spoken word poet Nick Courmon. An internationally acclaimed artist, Courmon uses his poetry to teach African American history, address social issues, and advocate for mental health awareness. His work has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, NBC’s Today, VICE News, Narratively, and more. Conrad’s Corner will be available throughout the event. Don’t miss this inspiring night of words and artistry!
Mosaic Unbound | Monday, Feb. 10 at 5 p.m. | McCormick Classroom, High Library
Join the High Library and the Office of Civil Rights, Opportunity, and Access for Mosaic Unbound, a monthly discussion series exploring diversity, equity, accessibility, and justice through literature, art, or music. This month, Mosaic Scholar Jyra Cirilo ’28 will lead a conversation reflecting on the profound African-American influence on American culture. This event offers a space for meaningful dialogue and reflection. BluePrint: Equity & Diversity
Ujima Dialogue | Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 5 p.m. | McCormick Classroom, High Library
Join the Mosaic Scholars for the Ujima Dialogue Series, an informal discussion focused on current issues related to diversity, equity, accessibility, and justice. Rooted in the Kwanzaa principle of “collective work and responsibility,” this dialogue invites students, faculty, and staff to engage in meaningful conversation. Mosaic Scholar Abigail Villarreal ’28 will lead this session, exploring the topic of Rare Disease Research. All are welcome to participate. BluePrint: Equity & Diversity
Let’s Take a (Data) Walk: Campus Climate Survey Interactive Presentation | Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 9 a.m. | M&M Mars Room, Leffler Chapel and Performance Center
Join us for an interactive presentation about the latest data from the Campus Climate Survey, completed by students, staff, and faculty in Spring 2024. This is an opportunity to hear the results, engage in meaningful discussion, and share your input on the next steps for fostering a more inclusive campus. Be part of the conversation that shapes the future of Etown’s community!
Honor Nat Turner’s Revolt | Thursday, Feb. 20 at 5 p.m. | McCormick Classroom, High Library
Join us to reflect on Nat Turner’s 1831 uprising against slavery, a pivotal moment in Black resistance that deepened tensions leading to the Civil War. This event will explore Turner’s legacy, the broader history of Black liberation, and the ongoing fight against systemic oppression. Engage in meaningful dialogue and honor the courage and impact of those who fought for freedom. BluePrint: Equity & Diversity.
Cooking for the Culture with Eugene Thomas | Tuesday, Feb. 25 at 5 p.m. | Mosaic House
Celebrate the rich culinary heritage of soul food, a tradition rooted in history and culture that brings people together through cherished recipes and flavors. Join Assistant Director of the Learning Zone Eugene Thomas for an engaging session exploring how classic soul food dishes can be recreated with healthier ingredients, preserving their essence while promoting well-being and longevity. This event is a celebration of tradition, storytelling, and the vibrant history of African American cuisine. Registration is required for this event and space is limited. Please email Darcey Mills to RSVP.
Researching and Recording BIPOC Student History at Elizabethtown College | Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. | Winters Alcove, High Library
Join students Kalen Tendo ’27, Jordyn Dutko ’26, as well as Etown Archivist Rachel Grove Rohrbaugh as they share their research on the history of students of color at Elizabethtown College. Their work, featured in the spring High Library IDEA Lab exhibit, “Preserving the Stories of Etown Students and Alumni of Color,” highlights oral histories, early BIPOC alumni, influential faculty and staff, student activism, and more. The exhibit also includes research from the Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren Racial Justice Working Group on the town’s history as a sundown town. This lecture is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Archivist Rachel Grove Rohrbaugh.
Honor the Work of Ida B. Wells | Thursday, Feb. 27 at 5 p.m. | McCormick Classroom, High Library
Join us to honor the legacy of Ida B. Wells, a pioneering journalist and civil rights activist whose groundbreaking work, “A Red Record,” exposed the horrors of lynching and systemic racism in the U.S.. Learn about her courageous fight for justice, her contributions to investigative journalism, and her role in founding the NAACP. This event celebrates Wells’ enduring impact on the fight for equality and the power of truth to transform society.