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Black History Month 2021


Calendar of Events


Triton College Celebrates the Life of Congressman John Lewis
Monday, Feb. 1, Noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom

In honor of Triton’s commitment to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment the college will kick-off Black History Month with the documentary “Remembering John Lewis” courtesy of Oprah Winfrey’s Master Class series (Oprah Winfrey Network). The Professional Development Center (PDC) will host a viewing of the 42-minute film on Monday, Feb. 1, noon-1 p.m.  followed by discussion on Congressman Lewis’ dream of creating a “Beloved Community.” Join the discussion on Zoom.

The PDC event is in partnership with the Student Life Office, TRiO, TRIUMPH and SURGE. Students, faculty and staff are welcome.

Congressman John Lewis was a civil rights pioneer long before his political career began in 1977. Inspired by the Montgomery Bus Boycott and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s speeches and non-violent civil disobedience activism, he became a student leader during the Selma to Montgomery March, participated in Freedom Rides, and was chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).

As a politician he was a champion of voters’ rights, voter registration, and rights for the poor and chronically ill. After a long-storied political career rooted in equity and social justice for all, Congressman Lewis passed away on July 17, 2020.


Afros, Kinks and Coils: A conversation about black hair
Tuesday, Feb. 9, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. via Zoom

Join a conversation about hair on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 12:30-1:30 p.m., on Zoom. Film clips from the documentary “Good Hair,” starring Chris Rock, and Oscar-award winning animated short “Hair Love” will be shown. Triton students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to participate in the conversation and share their own hair experiences.

Join the discussion on Zoom.
Meeting ID: 852 1242 2438
Passcode: 833681

This event is in partnership with the Office of Student Life, TRiO, TRIUMPH, SURGE, and the Dean of Retention and Student Engagement.


The Hate U Give” Film Discussion
Wednesday, Feb. 10, 5 p.m., on Zoom

Triton alum Brian Miller, Jr. will lead a discussion on the film “The Hate U Give,” Wednesday, Feb. 10, 5 p.m. on Zoom. While showing film clips, Miller will cover challenging topics such as police brutality and the trauma it causes, the socio-economic divide, social justice activism, and combating racism. Miller is a former president of Triton’s Black Academic Student Association and is a senior at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Join the discussion on Zoom:
Passcode: 210179


A Conversation with film director Shaka King
Fred Hampton, Jr. Biopic: Judas and the Black Messiah
Friday, Feb. 12, 2 p.m.
YouTube link

Inspired by true events, “Judas and the Black Messiah” directed by Shaka King will be released on Friday, Feb. 12 in theaters and streaming on HBOMax. Directed by Shaka King and starring LaKeith Stanfield as the FBI informant William O’Neal who infiltrates the Illinois Black Panther Party and is tasked with keeping tabs on their charismatic leader, Chairman Fred Hampton, played by Oscar-nominated Daniel Kaluuya.

Fred Hampton, a civil rights activist, was raised in Maywood, Ill., an honors student and athlete at Proviso East High School and was enrolled at Triton College. He led the West Suburban Youth Council branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Hampton joined the Black Panther Party (BPP) in 1968, quickly rose to prominence and became a BPP leader as the Illinois Chapter chairman based in Chicago. He was killed in a raid by the Chicago Police Department in December 1969 at the young age of 21.


“You good Bro? Let’s Talk.” A mental health roundtable discussion for the Black Community
Tuesday, Feb. 23, 4 p.m. via Zoom

Local mental health care professionals will join Leslie Wester, counselor at Triton College and Kevyn Porter, student success advisor/TRIUMPH Program to discuss how to raise awareness about mental health resources and support for students. During the discussion students can receive guidance on how and who to talk with about issues and events that may be impacting their mental health. Invited professionals include:

  • Arturo Carrillo, Ph.D., LCSW, Collaborative for Community Wellness, focuses on community practice and research that is at the intersection of the individual and family socio-emotional health combined with the impact of the socioeconomic conditions in the communities in which they live.
  • Obari Cartman, Ph.D., Community Psychologist & Restorative Practices Coach, immediate past president of the Chicago Chapter of Black Psychologists Association.
  • Matt Lawson, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Nationally-Certified Counselor (NCC), specializing in men's wellness, healthy lifestyle creations, anxiety management and recovery, and video game addiction.

Join the discussion on Zoom.
Meeting ID: 977 5192 4322
Passcode: 821310


In Their Shoes
Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021, 10:30 a.m.

Join the Violence Prevention Project, Pillars Community Health, and Student Life for experiential learning about dating violence and the choices we make in relationships.

Join the discussion on Zoom:
Meeting ID: 831 6137 0504
Passcode: TDVAM2021


Virtual events to observe and celebrate the month


Art Institute Chicago
Textiles and Contemporary Art
Tuesday, Feb. 2, 5-5:45 p.m.

Hear from curators Jordan Carter and Erica Warren as they discuss the intersections of textiles and contemporary art, opening their conversation with a focus on the work of Bisa Butler, and the Art Institute’s exhibition Bisa Butler: Portraits.

DuSable Museum of African American History
Visit the DuSable Museum’s website to get information on upcoming virtual events and exhibits.

Museum of Science and Industry
The Museum of Science and Industry celebrates black achievements.

African American History and Culture Museum, Washington D.C.
Throughout February, the Museum is celebrating Black History Month with a host of new programs, initiatives and experiences.