ACC honors Black History Month 2023 with events, essay contest

February is Black History Month, an annual celebration of the accomplishments and contributions of Black Americans to culture and society. ACC commemorates the month with a series of in-person and hybrid events open to ACC faculty, staff, students, and the community. 

This year’s theme is Black Resistance: How the movement shaped Black representation, diversity, and identity. The events are sponsored by ACC’s Truth, Racial Healing &Transformation (TRHT) Center, Office of Student Life, and African-American Cultural Center. 

ACC hosts a kickoff celebration for its 2023 Black History Month event series on Wednesday, February 1, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the TRHT Center (ACC Highland Campus, Building 4000). 

Other events planned in February include:

The Core Ensemble, “Of Ebony Embers — Vignettes of the Harlem Renaissance”

Wednesday, February 8 | 6-8:30 p.m.

ACC Highland Music Performance Hall (Building 2000) + Virtual Live Stream

This event is hosted in partnership with ACC’s Music Business, Performance & Technology and Arts, Digital Media & Communications programs.

Celebration of the Arts

Thursday, February 9 | 6-8:30 p.m.

ACC Highland + Virtual Live Stream

Students, faculty, and staff share expressions through art, music, and poetry related to Black History Month.

Salon/Barbershop Talk: How Comfortable Are You in Your Skin?!

Monday, February 13 | 12:30-2 p.m.

ACC Highland TRHT Center and Virtual Live Stream

A conversation about self-confidence, embracing your authentic self, and truly loving the skin you’re in.

Cooking Soul… the Sequel! Featuring Chef Bryant Currie

Wednesday, February 22 | 5:30 p.m.

ACC Highland TRHT Center (Building 4000) + Zoom

Trailblazing With the Divine 9

Thursday, February 23 | 6:30-8:30 p.m.

ACC Highland TRHT Center (Building 4000) + Virtual Live Stream

An in-person panel discussion with representatives from every Divine 9 organization. Hear what they have to say about the impact of historical trailblazers from each of their organizations, as well as their organization’s impact on the Black community and culture.

The college also hosts a Black History Month 2023 essay contest on the topic of Black Resistance. All submissions must be received by 12 p.m. February 20, 2023. The top two essays will be awarded a $50 and $25 prize, respectively.

More details on the events and essay contest are available on ACC’s Black History Month webpage.