Worcester State celebrates Black History Month with author event, film screening

January 29, 2024
By: Rebecca Cross

This February, the university invites the Worcester State community to two events in celebration of Black History Month.

10th Annual National African American Read In & ALANA Preview Day
February 7, 10:30 a.m.
Multipurpose Gym in the Gene J. and Julianne Defeudis Wellness Center
(Snow date: February 13, 10 a.m., online)

Since 2014, Worcester State University has participated in the National African American Read-In. This movement, established by the National Council of Teachers of English, centers the contributions of African American authors to literature and encourages communities to read together.

As part of this event, on Wednesday, February 7, the university will host a conversation with Ilyasah Shabazz, Worcester State’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion fellow. Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz is an award-winning author, educator, and producer. She has authored five historical novels; has served as project advisor for the PBS award winning film Prince Among Slaves; and is currently producing a television series based on her latest two publications, X: A Novel and The Awakening of Malcolm X, with Sony Pictures Television’s TriStar.

Also taking place on campus that day, ALANA Preview Day offers high school students the opportunity to preview university life, with an Admissions presentation, campus tour, and live chats with faculty and BIPOC/ALANA students.

Film Screening: Wortown Rising
February 15, 5:30 p.m.
Eager Auditorium
(Snow date: February 22)

This year marks the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, which gave American culture deejays, emcees, break-dancers, beatboxers, graffiti artists, and more. The film Wortown Rising takes the audience through the untold story of the first hip-hop music scene in Worcester, Mass. The event will feature a post-screening discussion with the director and panelists.

For more information, please email tnguyen89@worcester.edu.

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