Jack and Jill Anchorage chapter. Image Courtesy of Jack and Jill.
The beginning of Black History Month in Anchorage marks new opportunities for engagement. A number of diverse events in the Anchorage area will lift black voices and provide a space for black community this February.
On Thursday, Feb. 2nd, UAA’s MLK Student Appreciation Celebration will commence in the Wendy Williamson Auditorium from 7 to 8 p.m. The event will recognize various student leaders elected by UAA staff and faculty for their contributions to the university. Fredrika Newton, former member of the Black Panther Party’s chapter in Oakland, will speak at the event as well.
Other campus events include a Blues Night on the 15th as well as a Karaoke Game night on the 28th in the student union den. A screening of the film Judas and the Black Messiah will play on the 16th in the Fine Arts building and an open talk called being black will take place in the Multicultural Student Services office on the 21st.
To get down to business, the Alaska Black Chamber of Commerce will host their 8th annual Alaska Black Business Expo on Saturday, Feb. 4 from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Anchorage Museum. The expo supports networking between black businessmen and learning about black businesses in Alaska. Featured guest David Banner will lead a program on building generational wealth in the community.
According to a notice by the Municipality of Anchorage, there will also be activities and competitions for adolescents, including a fashion show. General admission to the museum will be free on this day as well, provided by the chamber.
For historical immersion and art, experience a live wax museum of black historical figures at the Loussac Library. Anchorage youth will lead a two-hour presentation dedicated to these influential figures on Feb. 11. The event is hosted by the Anchorage chapter of Jack and Jill of America, a nonprofit organization dedicated to investing in the futures of African-American youth.
To talk politics, the annual Bettye Davis African American Summit will be held on Feb. 18 at East Anchorage High School. Davis was the first African-American woman elected to Alaska State House of Representatives. The annual summit opens up a space for civil engagement between the black community and policy makers on various issues people of color face.
Reap the rewards of community and solidarity this Black History Month by attending one of these public events!
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