Join In Shenandoah’s Celebration
of Black History
A Wide Variety of Events Held Throughout February Explore the Richness of Black Life, History, Culture, Accomplishment and More!
2023 Schedule 0f Events
Reflections
Friday, Feb. 3, at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 4, at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 5, at 2:30 p.m.
Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre
The Shenandoah Dance Ensemble presents an evening of original works that mine the rich and varied styles of hip-hop, modern, contemporary and ballet. Part of Shenandoah University’s Black History Month celebration, the program features two guest choreographers — Earl Mosley and Katherine Lopes Zukeri — whose work celebrates diversity as an essential driver for creativity and highlights Black diaspora dance vocabulary and expression. Mosley is founder and artistic director of Earl Mosley’s Diversity of Dance. As a teacher, choreographer and mentor, his work is created out of an environment where artists from diverse ethnic, cultural, artistic and socioeconomic backgrounds can cultivate, explore, collaborate and grow together. Zukeri is a D.C. area-based movement artist whose work “Crown” incorporates her vast experience in hip-hop and urban dance styles. The program also features original works by FShenandoah faculty choreographers, including Shylo Martinez’s world premiere of “Ascending Court” and Tiffanie Carson’s “Tick-Tock,” which was created in collaboration with, and features, all 15 dancers of the class of 2023.
Shenandoah University students, faculty and staff are eligible for complimentary tickets, subject to availability. Visit conservatoryperforms.org to learn more or contact the Box Office via email at boxoffice@su.edu or phone at 540-665-4569 for more information. The Box Office is open from noon-5 p.m., Monday through Friday, in the Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre lobby.
Sunday Chapel
Sunday, Feb. 5, at 11:30 a.m.
Goodson Chapel – Recital Hall
Using the parables of Jesus found throughout the 13th chapter of the Gospel of Luke, this semester’s kick-off chapel series imagines what it will take to make the kin-dom of God a reality here and now. Coinciding with the start of Black History Month, the service on Feb. 5 will explore the question of “What is the Kin-dom in the Midst of Empire?” As we all reckon with the ways in which empires and state violence has and continues to cut the lives of Black individuals and communities short, how do we build and foster resilience? In the face of the traumas instilled by white body supremacy, how can we come together and heal in community? For more information about this Christian worship service, contact spirituallife@su.edu
Beyond Race: African American Art Songs & Spirituals
Sunday, Feb. 5, at 7:30 p.m.
Armstrong Concert Hall
Special guests Stacie Haneline, piano; Caroline Helton, soprano; Jamie Reimer, soprano; and Emery Stephens, baritone, partner with Shenandoah Conservatory voice and piano faculty to explore the collaborative relationship between pianist and vocalist while powerfully tracing the development of African American Art Songs and Spirituals through some of the greatest composers of each. Read more at Conservatory Performs.
Black Music Mondays
Mondays Feb. 6, Feb. 13, Feb. 20, & Feb 27, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Brandt Student Center, Lobby
The Mosaic Center for Diversity will have a table displaying the different types of music with African and African American roots. Come by and listen to the music and learn the origins of your favorite music. For more information, contact mosaiccenter@su.edu.
Faculty Recital: Colin Davin, guitar
Tuesday, Feb. 7, at 7:30 p.m.
Goodson Chapel – Recital Hall
Shenandoah Conservatory’s new Associate Professor of Guitar Colin Davin presents a faculty recital featuring “The Ambassador,” a new work by American composer Jasmine Barnes written in honor of the life of Ambassador Johnny Young; “Mitología de las Aguas” by Cuban composer Leo Brouwer, performed in collaboration with Assistant Professor of Flute Julietta Curenton; and more. This event is free and open to the public (no tickets required). Read more at Conservatory Performs.
Black History Month Game Night
Wednesday, Feb. 8, at 6:30 p.m.
Brandt Student Center, Room 118
Come out and play some trivia, bingo, and other games with the Mosaic Center for Diversity. Each game is packed with little-known facts about Black history. There will be prizes for winners. For more information, contact Malik Henry at mosaiccenter@su.edu.
Steel I Rise
Wednesday, Feb. 8, at 3 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 14, at 3 p.m., Friday, Feb. 24, at noon
Brandt Student Center, Rotunda
Enjoy the sound of steel drums by Gary Garlic throughout the Brandt Student Center Rotunda in celebration of Black History Month. For more information, contact Campus Activities Network at can@su.edu.
SU Cutz (Haircuts)
Wednesday, Feb. 15, 1-7 p.m.
Brandt Student Center, Room 123, Borden Studen Association Center (aka B-SAC)
Students, come out and get a free haircut from barbers from The Shop. Haircuts are by appointment only. Hair cuts will take place from 1-7 p.m. A short video presentation link discussing the significance of the barbershop in the Black community will be provided to the participants to view. Register for your haircut. For more information, contact Dahlia Ashford at dashford@su.edu.
Flutronix & Third Coast Percussion
Friday, Feb. 17, at 7:30 p.m.
Armstrong Concert Hall
Two ensembles that are redefining classical music for the 21st century join forces in a rare and exclusive evening of boundary-breaking music. Flutronix is a duo comprising critically acclaimed flutists and composers Nathalie Joachim and Allison Loggins-Hull, who are regarded for their “unique blend of classical music, hip-hop, electronic programming and soulful vocals reminiscent of neo-R&B stars like Erykah Badu” (Wall Street Journal). Third Coast Percussion is a Grammy Award-winning ensemble that has been hailed for its “virtuosity and deft, precisely timed wit” (Washington Post). Together, they break new ground with a diverse, virtuosic and energetic performance of their own works, as well as works by other influential creators and socially conscious changemakers. Read more at Conservatory Performs.
Black History Month Prayer Breakfast: God’s Amazing Grace
Saturday, Feb. 18, at 10 a.m.
Brandt Student Center, Ferrari Room
The Rev. Ronald English, who was a ministerial assistant to the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., will speak about God’s amazing grace during Dr. King’s time, today and tomorrow, as part of of a St. Paul AME Church-affiliated prayer breakfast of forgiveness, unity and thanksgiving on Feb. 18. The breakfast will also feature a presentation about the origin the hymn “Amazing Grace,” featuring dance, drama, and song. This event is sponsored by the Shenandoah University’s Black Student Union and the Harambee Gospel Choir. Sign up for student tickets online using this Google form. For more information, contact Myles Hairston at myles.hairston@su.edu.
Black History Month Paint Party
Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 6:30 p.m.
Brandt Student Center, Room 118
Join the Office of Diversity and Inclusion in a Black History Month-themed paint party. Abi Gomez and Otis Stanley will guide the participants through an art project and discuss art created by Black artists. Register to reserve your spot.
Shenandoah University Art Lecturer Abi Gomez, MFA, is a small business owner (Pretty Girl Painting, LLC), founder of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (Arte Libre VA), teaching artist (pre-k through adult learners), and the first Latin@ chair of the Virginia Commission for the Arts (appointed by Governor McAuliffe and confirmed by the Virginia General Assembly). Gomez currently sits on several boards and committees at the local, state, and national levels: at the local level she is president of the board at Arte Libre VA, a board member at Sinclair Health Clinic, and she works with the city of Winchester as a member of the Arts and Entertainment Committee, which is part of the Economic Development Authority.
Otis Stanley was introduced to the world of art by his father, Lawrence I. Stanley. Paintings by the elder Stanley are held in private collections throughout the Richmond metro area. From basic drawing and painting lessons Otis continued to pursue his love and appreciation of art, which included teaching an art class at the historic Randolph Community Center in the West End section of Richmond. Otis currently creates work in his SLIMRIC Studio and will present his art to paint party participants. For more information, contact Dahlia Ashford at dashford@su.edu.
Spiritual Life Black History Month Movie Night
Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 9 p.m.
Goodson Chapel – Recital Hall
Join the Office of Spiritual Life for a special Black History Month screening of a recent Frank Hampton biopic. Free pizza will be provided for attendees, and an optional discussion will follow the movie screening. Contact Chaplain and Director of Spiritual Development and Outreach, Ian Urriola, at iurriola@su.edu for more information or RSVP using the Google Form.
Beyond ImpACT: The Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Belonging Experience – Intersecting Leadership, Communication, and Generations
Friday, Feb. 24, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Brandt Student Center, Ferrari Room
The symposium will assist students in understanding the importance of inclusion, diversity, and equity in college and in the world at large. Topics will include communicating values and across different generations, bias, discrimination, and developing a sense of belonging, as well as feature a student panel. The conference is free and lunch will be provided to participants. Camica Credle of Credle Consulting, LLC, will facilitate the discussions. All student leaders are encouraged to participate in the symposium. For more information, contact Dahlia Ashford at mosaiccenter@su.edu.
Registration closes on Feb. 20, at 5 p.m.
Black History Month Roundtable: Equity & Social Justice Education Book Study
Friday, Feb 24, at noon
Zoom | Register online
Join Transformative Teaching and Learning for a conversation about Baruti K. Kafele’s book, “The Equity and Social Justice Education 50: Critical Questions for Improving Opportunities and Outcomes for Black Students” (available as a FREE ebook from Smith Library). Together, the group will discuss the ideas in the book and how to apply Kafele’s knowledge to the university’s context. Register for this online roundtable discussion!
Trip to the National Museum of African American History & Culture
Sunday, Feb. 26, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion and The R.E.D Team are sponsoring a trip to Washington, D.C., to explore the National Museum of African American History and Culture. There are 45 seats available for students on this trip. Participants will arrive at the National Museum at approximately 9:45 a.m., will explore the museum and the National Mall until approximately 4 p.m. and return to campus at 6:30 p.m. Lunch will NOT be provided; dining options will be available in the museum and around the national mall.
Pre-register to reserve your spot!
Rennie Harris Puremovement
American Street Dance Theatre
Friday, March 3, at 7:30 p.m.
Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre
Hailed by the New Yorker as the “most respected” and “most brilliant” hip-hop choreographer in America, Rennie Harris creates personal and distinctive works, telling stories — through dance, music and spoken word — that are as riveting, intimate and honest as hip-hop itself. With a career that spans over three decades, Harris’s internationally acclaimed company Puremovement embodies the rich tradition of street dance and hip-hop culture, while simultaneously advancing an energetic new voice and vocabulary for dance.
Rennie Harris Puremovement has toured around the world, performing for the Queen of England and the Princess of Monaco, as well as serving as a cultural ambassador for the U.S. State Department. Harris — who has been honored with prestigious awards including the Alvin Ailey Black Choreographers Award, the Guggenheim Fellowship, the Doris Duke Arts Award and Dance Magazine’s Legend Award — is a true legend of dance. In the company’s first-ever visit to the region, audiences will experience Harris’s legacy through “Nuttin’ But a Word,” an evening-length work that pushes the boundaries of street dance vocabulary and challenges audiences to view hip-hop through a different lens.
Shenandoah University students, faculty and staff are eligible for complimentary tickets, subject to availability. Visit conservatoryperforms.org to learn more, or contact the Box Office via email at boxoffice@su.edu or phone at 540-665-4569 for more information. The Box Office is open from noon-5 p.m., Monday through Friday, in the Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre lobby.
Organizations & Resources
The Mosaic Center
We focus on valuing and fostering the diversity reflected in our lives at Shenandoah and in the world beyond our campus.
PRIDE
We provide assessment, recommendation, and consultation to SU’s Senior Leadership and departments across the university.
Black Alumni Network
We strive to bridge lifelong connections between alumni, students & friends, through learning, mentorship, advocacy, service & global fellowship.
Inclusion, Diversity & Equity
Inclusion, diversity, and equity are woven throughout the university’s structure and overseen by multiple individuals.