“The Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity” is the theme of MTSU’s 2021 celebration of Black History Month.

Daniel Green

“The Black family is and has always been the cornerstone of the Black community,” said Daniel Green, assistant vice president of student life, manager of the Office of Intercultural and Diversity Affairs and chair of the Black History Month Committee.

“The rich tapestry of history, culture, support, love and respect within the Black family is the foundation upon which we as African Americans all stand.”

In accordance with COVID-19 safety protocols, a virtual kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 1, at https://bit.ly/3oHvgnG. Free games, door prizes and a discussion of the month’s theme are on the agenda.

“Critical Conversation: The Black Family Dynamics” is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, as a virtual event at https://bit.ly/3bDj2sk. Issues for discussion include the impact of poverty and racism on the structure of the Black family.

Marc Lamont Hill, the Steve Charles Professor of Media, Cities and Solutions at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, will deliver a virtual webinar keynote address, followed by a moderated Q&A session with the campus community, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23.

Hill also is host of BET News on Black Entertainment Television and the “Coffee and Books” podcast.

Dr. Marc Lamont Hill

As a social justice activist, Hill has worked on campaigns to end the death penalty, abolish prisons and release numerous political prisoners. Ebony magazine has named him one of America’s 100 most influential Black leaders.

Roland Martin, journalist and host of the daily online program “#RolandMartinUnfiltered,” will deliver a virtual webinar, “State of the African American Union Address” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26.

Roland Martin

Martin also is a senior analyst for the “Tom Joyner Morning Show,” which is heard on more than 100 radio stations across the country. Winner of more than 30 awards for journalistic excellence, the National Association of Black Journalists named Martin its Journalist of the Year in 2013.

One of MTSU’s most honored traditions, the Unity Luncheon, has been modified this year to a virtual “Unity Celebration” that will be broadcast 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, on the university’s Facebook and YouTube channels. They’re available at http://facebook.com/mtsublueraiders and http://youtube.com/mtsunews, respectively.

The event honors “unsung heroes” who have given remarkable service to their fellow citizens. Nominees must be 60 or older, have resided in the Middle Tennessee area for 25 years or more and made outstanding contributions to their community.

This year’s honorees are:

• Violet D. Cox Wingo, Community Service.
• George Gibson, Excellence in Sports.
• Sue Alexander and Kim Sokoya, Education.
• Christa Martin, Advocate of Civility.

On Thursday, Feb. 18, at 6 p.m., Dr. Jennifer Woodard, assistant dean of the College of Media and Entertainment and an associate professor in the School of Journalism and Strategic Media, will receive the 2021 John Pleas Faculty Recognition Award in a virtual ceremony.

Dr. Jennifer Woodard

MTSU presents the honor each year to a Black faculty member who has demonstrated excellence in teaching, research and service.

For more information and for updates on livestream and Zoom webinar links to 2021 Black History Month events at MTSU, contact Green at 615-898-5812 or daniel.green@mtsu.edu.

The complete calendar of Black History Month events is available at www.mtsu.edu/aahm and is also linked below.

— Gina K. Logue (gina.logue@mtsu.edu)

Click the image to see a larger version of the full calendar.