ETSU celebrates Black History Month
East Tennessee State University is celebrating Black History Month with a variety of events and the announcement of a new memorial dedicated to the five students who first desegregated the university.
The university is working to erect a bronze statue at Borchuck Plaza that is in addition to the memorial fountain and historical marker that honors the five students known for desegregating ETSU: Eugene Caruthers, Elizabeth Watkins Crawford, Clarence McKinney, George L. Nichols and Mary Luellen Owens Wagner.
The new statue is set to be finished by August. More information can be found about the memorial’s history here.
The Mary V. Jordan Multicultural Center and the Black Affairs Association have also planned multiple events throughout the month of February:
Black History Month Speaker Series: Bettie Mae Fikes
February 3, 5 p.m. – Martha Street Culp Auditorium, D.P. Culp Student Center
Bettie Mae Fikes, known as “The Voice of Selma,” is a celebrated Civil Rights icon who inspires audiences through powerful performances, speeches and her legacy as a Freedom Singer.
Red, Black and Green Ribbons Giveaway
Feb. 3-4, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. - Main Street, D.P. Culp Student Center
The Black Affairs Association will be handing out red, black and green ribbons commemorating Black History Month, along with information on the meaning of the colors.
Black History Month: Jason Flack
February 5, 7 p.m. – East Tennessee Room, D.P. Culp Student Center
Award-winning Johnson City artist Jason Flack will provide valuable insights and practical advice in a motivational talk in conjunction with Black History Month.
Black History Month Performance Workshop: Kotchegna African Dancers
February 7, 5 p.m. – The Cave, D.P. Culp Student Center
The Kotchegna corps of dancers and drummers will bring the thrill of joyful drumming and the vibrant color of traditional African dances to campus. The workshop includes a demonstration and teaches participants dance steps with the drums.
Black History Month Film Screening
February 7, 7 p.m. – Mary V. Jordan Multicultural Center, D.P. Culp Student Center
This event features inspirational film screenings and refreshments.
From Africa to Appalachia: The Tie That Binds
February 27, 6-8 p.m. - The Reece Museum
Meet the curator of this new exhibit, Dr. Althea Fain Ali, at this art reception and program.
East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.
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