February is Black History Month, a great opportunity to celebrate African Americans’ many achievements throughout US history. Since 1976, this annual celebration has recognized the contributions of black Americans to our country.
Of course, we invite you to continue learning about Black history all year long. But during the month of February, FRCC places a particular focus on honoring the achievements of African Americans and recognizing their important role in all aspects of our society—from science and technology to education, government and culture.
As we begin the month, we hope you can join us for one of these meaningful events at our campuses:
Black History Live!—MLK, Jr.
This year’s Black History Live! tour features the living-history portrayal by nationally acclaimed scholar/actor Marvin Jefferson as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Reverend, Theologian, Civil and Human Rights leader and arguably the “greatest American of the 20th century,” Dr. King embodied all of these things. But, ironically, he was the first to disown most of the titles afforded him.
An intensely guilt ridden yet brilliant man, he rose to greatness during the most eventful years of the Civil Rights Movement. From the Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955-56) to the Poor People’s campaign (1967-68), his was a life with extreme measures of joy, pain, triumph, tragedy, hatred and most of all, love.
This Chautauqua event will be a first-person dramatization of this renowned historical figure. The speaker’s monologue will last around 40 minutes, followed by 20 minutes of Q&A—first in character, and then out of character as the performer.
When:
Tuesday, February 13
7:00 PM
Where:
Harmony Library on the FRCC Campus
4616 S. Shields St. in Fort Collins
Before the event begins, join us in the Harmony Library lobby for snacks and posters about civil rights.
Film Screenings: This is [Not] Who We Are
Throughout the month, FRCC will be hosting screenings of this documentary, which explores the gap between Boulder’s progressive self-image and the lived experiences of its black citizens.
The film premiered in 2022 at the Boulder International Film Festival. It takes a look at 150 years of local history and how that set the tone for the racial climate in Boulder County. The documentary was co-produced and directed by Katrina Miller and Beret Strong with editing by John Tweedy.
All showings begin at noon:
Thursday, February 8
Westminster Campus – Rocky Mountain Room
3645 W. 112th Ave. in Westminster
(Use entrance 2)
Thursday, February 15
Larimer – Longs Peak Student Center
4616 S. Shields St. in Fort Collins
Thursday, February 22
Boulder County Campus – Community Room
Classroom Building
2121 Miller Dr. in Longmont
These films screenings are presented in collaboration with FRCC’s Division of Equity & Inclusion.
Ways to Keep Learning
We hope you can join us for one of these events. There are many other resources you can use to participate, celebrate and learn this month. Check out these great sources for events and information:
- Videos on Black history in two minutes
- History Colorado’s Exhibitions & Experiences
- Teaching Black History
- Boulder County Events & Resources
- Colorado State University Black History Month Programs
- Black History in Fort Collins
- Denver Public Library Black History Events and Book Lists
- Other Denver Area Events