This list of local Black History Month events is compiled from local media sources and online calendar and event listings. Although the Northside News usually only shares events that are happening on the Northside, we know that Northsiders will be celebrating Black History Month at events around Madison. See anything missing from the list? Let us know at editor@northsidenews.org.
= book discussion or reading
= film, film discussion, play or theater
= panel, lecture or talk
= Northside event
Lakeview Book Discussion of “The Underground Railroad”
Thursday, Feb. 1, 6:30-8:00 pm
Lakeview Library
Join the Lakeview Book Group around the fireplace to discuss “The Underground Railroad” by prize-winning, bestselling author Colson Whitehead. New members always welcome.
Black O’Clock Day of Solidarity
Thursday, Feb. 1
Please wear all black in solidarity with Black students at UW-Madison. Show your support through our social media campaign using the hashtag #BlackOclock.
WUD BHM Film: Fruitvale Station (2013)
Friday, Feb. 2, 6 pm
Marquee Cinema, Union South
WUD Films are free and open to students, staff, faculty and community. Information: 262-2014, bcc@studentlife.wisc.edu
JUST BUST! Open Mic
Friday, Feb. 2, Sign-up 8:30 pm, open mic 9 pm
On Wisconsin Room, Armory and Gymnasium (Red Gym)
Join OMAI/First Wave for Madison’s longest running all-ages open mic. Including community performances and a First Wave mini-spotlight. Information: 262-2014, bcc@studentlife.wisc.edu
Story Saturday
Saturday, Feb. 3, 1:30-2:30 pm
Wisconsin Historical Museum
“The Quickest Kid in Clarksville,” by Madison-based author, Pat Zietlow Miller, tells the timeless story of dreams, determination and the power of friendship. This story is presented in partnership with the Madison Reading Project. The Story Saturday programs are free and geared towards ages 3-12.
“I Am F.A.T.” With Author Jaia Davis
Saturday, Feb. 3, 2:30-3:30 pm
Wisconsin Historical Museum
Name calling hurts and bullying is painful. Local 10-year-old author Jaia Davis was inspired to write “I am F.A.T.: Based Upon Real Life Events” after experiencing bullying when she was in the 4th grade. Join Jaia as she shards how she coped with bullying and provides tools to help everyone, young and old, deal with bullies. A book signing will follow the program. This event is part of the Wisconsin Historical Society’s Black History Month programming.
WUD BHM Film: Fruitvale Station (2013)
Saturday, Feb. 3, 8:30 pm and Sunday, Feb. 4, 3 pm
Marquee Cinema, Union South
WUD Films are free and open to students, staff, faculty and community. Information: 262-2014, bcc@studentlife.wisc.edu
Black Voices – Black History Month Wednesdays
Wednesday, Feb. 7, 6-7:30 pm
Urban League of Greater Madison, 2222 S. Park St. Suite 200
Come spend the night living, feeling and reliving the words of historical black poetry known as “Black Voices.” From Love to Civil Rights, enjoy inspiring performed poetry of Langston Hughes, W.E.B. DuBois, Ralph Ellison, Gwendolyn Brooks, Maya Angelou and more! Children are encouraged to attend. Food will be served.
WUD BHM Film: Purple Rain (1984)
Thursday, Feb. 8, 9:30 pm
Marquee Cinema, Union South
WUD Films are free and open to students, staff, faculty and community! Information: 262-2014, bcc@studentlife.wisc.edu
Black and Brilliant: Participation in the Political Process
Thursday, Feb. 8, 1-3 pm
Madison College Intercultural Exchange, Room C1430, 1701 Wright St
This panel features Everett Mitchell, Mahlon Mitchell, Sabrina Madison, Ali Muldrow, Mandela Nelson, Harold Rayford and Joe Parisi. It is provided by students of BSU and United Common Ground and is free and open to faculty, staff, students and the general public.
WUD BHM Film: Purple Rain (1984)
Saturday, Feb. 10, 11pm
Marquee Cinema , Union South
WUD Films are free and open to students, staff, faculty and community. Information: 262-2014, bcc@studentlife.wisc.edu
Hidden Voices: African American Writers in Wisconsin
Featured in the 2018 February/March Northside News.
Join three Madison-area African American writers – poet Fabu, novelist Sherry Lucille, and playwright and novelist Catrina Sparkman – as they discuss their writing in relation to the work of three African American literary giants who also lived and worked in Madison during the 20th century: novelist Jean Toomer, playwright Lorraine Hansberry, and poet Sarah Webster Fabio. Experience poetry, prose, and drama that will shed light on what it means to be African American in Wisconsin today, yesterday, and tomorrow through a multimedia presentation about the work and lives of these literary artists and their interpretations of race in Wisconsin.
Saturday, Feb. 10, 10 am – Deforest Public Library
Saturday, Feb. 24, 2 pm – Pinney Library
Tuesday, Feb. 27, 6:30pm – Middleton Public Library
In Conversation with Lena Waithe: Black History Month Keynote
Tuesday, Feb. 13, 7-9 pm, doors open at 6:30 pm
Varsity Hall, Union South
Emmy Award winning screenwriter, producer, and actress, Lena Waithe, is a WUD Distinguished Lecturer and the 2018 Black History Month Keynote. Expertly tapping into emerging cultural sensibilities with a sharp wit, speaking to myriad experiences from her unique perspective and challenging audiences to think outside of conventional norms, Waithe, will touch on her own acts of resistance and resilience as a Black Queer Womyn Creative in the industry. Information: 262-2014, bcc@studentlife.wisc.edu
“I Am Not Your Negro” Film
Wednesday, Feb. 14, 6-7:30 pm
Urban League of Greater Madison, 2222 S. Park St. Suite 200
Narrated by actor Samuel L. Jackson, the film explores the history of racism in the United States through Baldwin’s reminiscences of civil rights leaders Medgar Evers, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King, Jr, as well as his personal observations of American history. Food will be provided by Kipp Kitchens. The Young Professionals of ULGM is alsohaving a Sock Drive for the homeless. These brand new socks will support young adults battling homelessness at Briarpatch and the adults of the Beacon House. Socks can also be dropped off at the Urban League from 9 am-5 pm to Melissa Herriges.
Black History Month Open House at the Wisconsin Historical Society
Thursday, Feb. 15, 4-7 pm
Wisconsin Historical Society, 816 State Street
Celebrate Black History Month at the WHS with powerful stories told through historical objects, artifacts, and documents combined with contemporary performances and presentation.
Christy Clark-Pujara, Associate Professor of History in the Department of Afro-American Studies, UW-Madison will discuss Black Suffrage in Wisconsin in the auditorium from 4-5 pm.
The reading room will be open for visits where the public can see original documents and images related to African-American history from 5-6 pm and from 6-7 pm, a reception will be held in the lobby and will feature catering from Melly Mel’s. The evening will also feature the Mount Zion Baptist Church Choir, a STEP presentation and spoken-word poetry. Reception to follow. Information: 262-2014, bcc@studentlife.wisc.edu
Movie Night at Lakeview: Marshall
Thursday, February 16, 6:00-7:30 pm
Lakeview Library
Director Reginald Hudlins Marshall, is based on an early trial in the career of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. It follows the young lawyer (Chadwick Boseman) to conservative Connecticut to defend a black chauffeur (Sterling K. Brown) charged with sexual assault and attempted murder of his white socialite employer (Kate Hudson). The high profile case and the partnership with Friedman served as a template for Marshalls creation of the NAACP legal defense fund.
Solomon Carter Fuller Community Lecture
Friday, Feb. 16, 6:30-8:30 pm
Rm 4156, UW Medical Foundation Centennial Building
Lecture topic, “Advancing Health Disparities Research in the African American Community” hosted by the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Information: 262-2014, bcc@studentlife.wisc.edu
History Sandwiched In: Black Suffrage in Early Wisconsin
Tuesday, Feb. 20, 12:15-1 pm
Wisconsin Historical Museum (30 N. Carroll St.)
UW-Madison Associate Professor Christy Clark-Pujara examines attempts to achieve black male suffrage in early Wisconsin. Clark-Pujara will share how the efforts of black Wisconsinites resulted in Wisconsin becoming the first state to enfranchise black men.
Marcia Anderson
Wednesday, Feb. 21, 12-1 pm
Madison College, Room D1630, 1701 Wright St
The Military Resource Conference presents speaker Marcia Anderson. In 2011, she became Army’s first black female reserve officer to obtain the rank of major general. The event is open to faculty, staff, students and the general public.
Black History Month Celebration at Vera Court
Thursday, Feb 22, 6-8 PM
Vera Court Neighborhood Center
All community members and families of Vera Court youth are invited to this special event. The event will feature speakers, performances and a delicious dinner.
Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
Thursday, Feb. 22, 1-2 pm
Sequoya Library
Sequoya’s Thursday Book Group hosts a book discussion of Underground Railroad by prize-winning, bestselling author Colson Whitehead. Whitehead’s narrative weaves the saga of America from the brutal importation of Africans to the unfulfilled promises of the present day.
Moonshine
Thursday, Feb. 22, 3:30 pm
H’Doubler Performance Space, Lathrop Hall
Join Professor Chris Walker and friends in celebrating the 11th Annual Moonshine. A celebration full of African-Caribbean dance, hip-hop, spoken word, poetry, drumming, chanting, and more! Information: 262-2014, bcc@studentlife.wisc.edu
Outstanding Women of Color Reception
Thursday, Feb. 22, 5-7:30 pm
Alumni Lounge, Pyle Center
Open to the campus and community, this annual event recognizes women of color for their academic accomplishments and service both on campus and in the community. To register for this year’s event, go to Outstanding Women of Color Reception Class of 2017. Information: 262-2014, bcc@studentlife.wisc.edu
WUD BHM Film: Within Our Gates (1920)
Thursday, Feb. 22, 8 pm
Marquee Cinema, Union South
WUD Films are free and open to students, staff, faculty and community. Information: 262-2014, bcc@studentlife.wisc.edu
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Thursday, Feb. 22, 6:30-8 pm
Daisy Cafe and Cupcakery (2827 Atwood Ave.)
Join Hawthorne Library’s monthly book club, The Salad Days to discuss The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, which features sixteen-year-old Starr Carter. Starr moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.
Movie Night at Hawthorne: Marshall
Friday, Feb. 23, 7-9 pm
Hawthorne Library
Director Reginald Hudlins Marshall, is based on an early trial in the career of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. It follows the young lawyer (Chadwick Boseman) to conservative Connecticut to defend a black chauffeur (Sterling K. Brown) charged with sexual assault and attempted murder of his white socialite employer (Kate Hudson). The high profile case and the partnership with Friedman served as a template for Marshalls creation of the NAACP legal defense fund.
WABM Spring 2018: Black Men’s Initiative Forum
Saturday, Feb. 24, 9 am
Alumni Lounge, Pyle Center
Community members, faculty and administration, distinguished guests and students engage in pertinent dialogue concerning the black male experience and walk away inspired to enact change in their respective communities. Open to men and women. Information: 262-2014, bcc@studentlife.wisc.edu
Rose Gold: Hip-Hop Theater
Saturday, Feb. 24, 7 pm and Sunday, Feb. 25, 3 pm
Play Circle Theater, Memorial Union
Rose Gold is a piece of Hip-Hop theater that combines the medium of rap, monologue, and more to tell the stories of five Black women connected by suffering and guilt. Free showings hosted by the Campus Women’s Center. Information: 262-2014, bcc@studentlife.wisc.edu
Martin Luther King’s Principles of Non-Violence Training
Saturday, Feb. 24, 9 am-4 pm
Madison College, 1701 Wright St. D1630
This workshop will introduce participants to the Kingian approach to nonviolence. Based on Martin Luther King, Jr’s Six Principles of Nonviolence, participants will learn to understand types of conflicts one might face, principles and steps of nonviolence as well as models of social change. This is event for anyone who wants to develop skills necessary for promoting peace, nonviolence, and social change. The facilitator for this training is Jim Handly, a certified Kingian nonviolence trainer. This event is free and open to the public. Lunch will be provided. Pre-registration is required.
(Art)ifacts of the Diaspora
Sunday, Feb. 25, 3-5 pm
Black Cultural Center, Armory and Gymnasium (Red Gym)
See the ways that Black culture has sustained Black people through rotating workshops, including DIY crafts, discussion, and more! Information: 262-2014, bcc@studentlife.wisc.edu
The Paradox of Being a Black Police Officer by Corey Soffold
Tuesday, Feb. 27, 5:30-6:30 pm
South Campus, The Village on Park, 2238 South Park St
In this free event sponsored by Wisconsin Humanities Council and their Working Lives Project, and Madison College, Officer Saffold will address the paradox of being a Black officer during a time when police are viewed as an enemy and are often not trusted, especially among the African-American community. It is open to faculty, staff, students and the general public. Register here.
Art Talks at MMOCA: Celebrate Black Art
Wednesday, Feb. 28, 5:30-7 pm
Madison Museum of Contemporary Arts (MMoCA), 227 State Street
Madison College invites you to celebrate Black History Month with our Art Talk at MMoCA. During this evening, you will receive a private tour of artwork by prominent African American artists, led by museum curator Mel Becker Solomon. You will see a massive work by Sam Gilliam, on view in the exhibition BIG, as well as select works by African American artists pulled from the museum’s permanent collection, including Jacob Lawrence and Sonja Y. S. Clark. After the tour, enjoy a reception and hands-on art activity exploring Sam Gillian’s techniques.
This event is brought to you by Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, Madison Network of Black Professionals, Madison College, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity – Mu Eta Lambda Chapter.
Wednesday WildN’ Comedy Show
Wednesday, Feb. 28, 6:30 pm
Play Circle Theater, Memorial Union
Celebrate the close of Black History Month laughing until it hurts with MTV’s Wild N’ Out comedians Chico Bean and Derran “Big Baby” Brand. Information: 262-2014, bcc@studentlife.wisc.edu
Reframe the Name with Jaia Davis, Author of I Am F.A.T.
Friday, March 2, 6-7 pm
Goodman South Madison Library
Name calling hurts and bullying is painful. Local 10-year-old author Jaia Davis was inspired to write “I am F.A.T.: Based Upon Real Life Events” after experiencing bullying when she was in the 4th grade. Join Jaia as she shards how she coped with bullying and provides tools to help everyone, young and old, deal with bullies.