Bowdoin Celebrates 2021 Black History Month

By Bowdoin News
In addition to the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Lecture happening on February 17, the College will host events that include a documentary film screening, a gathering for Black alumni, and a conversation with DeRay Mckesson ’07.
Feb2
Tuesday, February 2, 4:00 p.m. EST

Harlem Rising: A Community Changing the Odds

Harlem Rising posterJoin the Bowdoin community for a special film screening and conversation with Geoffrey Canada ’74, H’07, Stanley Druckenmiller ’75, H’07, and George Khaldun ’73, moderated by President Clayton Rose.

Harlem Rising is a new documentary that chronicles the remarkable history and the lives transformed by Harlem Children’s Zone. More than twenty years ago, Geoffrey Canada dared to imagine a different, better future for the impoverished, vulnerable community of Central Harlem. Canada, along with a group of dedicated people including Druckenmiller and Khaldun, turned his vision into reality as the pioneering Harlem Children’s Zone, serving one block in the 1990s to ultimately reaching ninety-seven blocks. The film explores how one organization demonstrates real change through the stories of students, educators, and the visionaries who are still helping children and families succeed.

A link to the documentary will be sent to registrants to view before February 2.


Feb17
Wednesday, February 17, 7:00 p.m. EST

Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Lecture: Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum H’06

Picture of Beverly Tatum

Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum H’06, president emerita of Spelman College, is the author of several books including the best-selling Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? and Can We Talk About Race?, and is a renowned thought-leader in higher education on race and inclusion.

Tatum will be joined in conversation with Bowdoin’s Dean of Students, Kristina Bethea Odejimi.


Feb23
Tuesday, February 23, 7:00 p.m. EST

A Conversation with Civil Rights Activist DeRay Mckesson '07

Picture of Deray Mckesson

On November 2, 2020, the US Supreme Court handed down a 7-1 decision in DeRay Mckesson’s favor stemming from a Black Lives Matter rally he attended after the murder of Sterling Brown by police officers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in July 2016.

Join us as DeRay speaks to the Bowdoin community about the case, the police reform movement, his experience as a Black Lives Matter organizer and leader, and his path from Bowdoin. Q&A to follow.


Feb26
Friday, February 26, 12:00 p.m. EST

Black Alumni Organization of Bowdoin Kick-Off Gathering

Russwurm House

The newly formed Black Alumni Organization of Bowdoin will host a kick-off gathering to network, build community, and mark Black History Month. The intellects, energy, and insights of the 75 Black alumni who’ve already shared their commitment to this effort will be invaluable as we form the group’s structure, mission, and path forward. The 90-minute gathering will be facilitated by Michael Owens ’73, P’15, and include remarks and Q&A with President Clayton Rose, followed by an opportunity for breakout discussions.


Mar5
Friday, March 5, 3:00 p.m. EST

There is a Woman in Every Color: Black Women in Art

Picture of Elizabeth Humphrey

As we close out Black History Month and kick off Herstory Month, join BCMA curatorial assistant and manager of student programs, Elizabeth Humphrey ’14, for a preview and talk of the upcoming exhibition There Is a Woman in Every Color: Black Women in Art. The exhibition brings together more than fifty works of art to challenge histories of marginalization and make visible the presence of Black women in American art history. Q&A to follow. Humphrey will be joined in conversation with Ramiro Storni ’23.