Fox Cities News

The final weeks of February and the first week of March at Lawrence University will be marked by events celebrating Black history. The Black Student Union (BSU), a student organization, is set to present the Black Excellence Ball and Cultural Expressions, two significant annual events on the Lawrence calendar.

Lawrence University will also celebrate Black Feminist Fortnight, an event that bridges Black History Month in February and Women’s History Month in March to honor the achievements of Black women.

The I.D.E.A.S. Division (Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, Anti-Racism, and Support Services) plays a role in helping students explore the diverse cultural heritage within the Lawrentian Community.

Key events include:

- Feb. 17: The Black Excellence Ball will take place at 8 p.m. in Warch Campus Center to celebrate the accomplishments of Black and Brown people on campus and throughout history.

- Feb. 22: At 4:30 p.m., Where is Black Art? will be screened at Wriston Art Center along with a theater performance titled Menstrual Rosary as part of Black Feminist Fortnight.

- Feb. 24: BSU hosts Cultural Expressions at 7 p.m. in Warch Campus Center, where students of color express themselves through music, poetry, and more.

- Feb. 26: A panel discussion on the importance of Black history in the United States is scheduled for 5 p.m. in Wriston Auditorium. Anna Ponder, vice president for University Advancement, will moderate a panel featuring three Lawrence faculty members: Carla Daughtry (associate professor of anthropology), Betsy Schlabach (associate professor of history), and Jerald Podiar (professor emeritus). This event is free and open to the public.

- March 4: Wisconsin poet laureate Dasha Kelly Hamilton will conclude the celebrations with a poetry reading at Wriston Art Center at 4:30 p.m.

Lawrence University continues its tradition-rich legacy with over 175 years of history since its founding.