In honor of Black History Month, Temple is recognizing African Americans’ contributions and trailblazing impact on the world. To celebrate, throughout the month of February, Temple is hosting a variety of events, including a film festival, author readings, panel discussions and more. Here are a few highlights. 

A history artwork talk with John J. Abner and Noah Smalls 

Join a conversation with John Abner and Noah Smalls on the history of the artwork Freedom Now!, which references the June 26, 1992, incident that left community window washer Charles Matthews dead after Philadelphia Police responded to reports that he was intoxicated and had a gun. Abner’s collage illustrates the police brutality faced in Black communities and the responses of activists in the moments that followed over the years.  

Wednesday, Feb. 12
2 p.m.
Mazur Hall, Center for Anti-Racism

A conversation with Quaiser Abdullah 

Quaiser Abdullah, professor of instruction at Klein College of Media and Communication, will discuss his role as director of Muslim engagement for the city. Kimmika Williams-Witherspoon, professor and senior associate dean in Temple’s School of Theater, Film and Media Arts, will moderate the conversation. 

Thursday, Feb. 13
2:30 p.m.
Charles Library, first floor event space

Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) film festival 

Don’t miss the fourth year of the BIPOC Film Festival, which features the stories of Black and Brown filmmakers and artists. The Film in Color student organization with a panel will curate the festival, including screenings and discussions with filmmakers. 

Thursday, Feb. 13
5 p.m.
Howard Gittis Student Center, The Reel Cinema

CPCA International Arts Interdisciplinary Research Forum with Kimmika Williams-Witherspoon 

In this presentation, TFMA’s Kimmika Williams-Witherspoon will speak on representations of African women in Euripides’ Medea and how it has contributed to the mythology and convention of the expectation of blackness for Black women that continue to present challenges today.  

Tuesday, Feb. 18
Noon
Temple Performing Arts Center, Chapel of the Four Chaplains

Author Talk: ‘Colored, Negro, Black: Chasing the American Dream’ 

Hear from Bernard C. Watson as he reflects on his memoir Colored, Negro, Black: Chasing the American Dream. The program will highlight Watson’s life, career, and contributions to Philadelphia and more. Kenneth Scott, president and CEO of Beech Companies, will moderate the chat with Watson. 

Wednesday, Feb. 19
2 p.m.
Virtual TBD

Mix it up at the Black Graduate Student Mixer 

Get involved in a Black Graduate Student Mixer in honor of Black History Month. In this event, Black graduate students across all schools and colleges can meet, network and share graduate student experiences. 

Wednesday, Feb. 19
3:30 p.m.
Charles Library, first floor event space

Premeditated Indifference: Colored Orneriness as Critical Companion to U.S. Democracy 

Emilie M. Townes, Martin Luther King Jr. Professor of Religion and Black Studies at Boston University, will be visiting Temple to discuss how democracy has become a contested ideal and how the combination of work and willpower, or “colored orneriness,” is needed to create a more just society.  

Thursday, Feb. 20
11 a.m.
Charles Library, first floor event space

History of the Prince Hall Masons 

Join the Blockson Collection for a conversation with Felix E. Gardenhire, a Worshipful Grand Historian. The program will include rare archival materials and photos of the Prince Hall Masons, who were civic leaders in the late 19th century and throughout the 20th century.  

Tuesday, Feb. 25
2 p.m.
Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection, Sullivan Hall, first floor

Poets and Writers Series with Mecca Jamilah Sullivan 

Attend a conversation with writer and editor Mecca Jamilah Sullivan, author of The Poetics of Difference: Queer Feminist Forms in the African Diaspora. Sullivan earned honors from the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.  

Thursday, Feb. 27
Noon
Mazur Hall, Room 821