UCF will observe Black History Month by hosting a variety of cultural and educational events throughout February. The Multicultural Student Center will partner with various university offices, departments and student organizations to offer a variety of programs and events. This year’s Black History Month theme is Living in Color.
The celebration will kick off with an opening ceremony Monday, Feb. 1 from noon to 2 p.m. in the Student Union, Room 221. Belinda Hyppolite, assistant vice president for Student Development and Enrollment Services, will speak and the Black Student Union and African Student Organization will perform during the ceremony.
Other highlights include:
Social Justice and Advocacy and the Multicultural Student Center will facilitate a discussion about how current events affect the black community. Guest Bree Newsome will speak of her courageous act of civil disobedience at the capital of South Carolina.
The Multicultural Student Center will present a display of art depicting people of importance in black history.
LisaRaye McCoy ─ entertainer, model, businesswoman, philanthropist and former first lady of Turks and Caicos Islands ─ will serve as keynote speaker for Black History Month
This event will feature speakers from the UCF community who will discuss the mental health stigma that often exists with minority communities. This stigma places a burden on individuals who feel as if they can’t seek help and must wear a mask of perfect health.
“Black History Month at UCF is a time that gives the campus community the opportunity to learn, reflect and embrace the past and present time of blacks not just in America but Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa,” said Brice Yates, coordinator for the Multicultural Student Center.
Students, faculty and staff members are invited to the events.