Parkland College is set to celebrate Black History Month in February with an array of events centered around the theme “African Americans and Labor.” Parkland aims to highlight both historical and contemporary contributions of African Americans to the workforce, with a program packed with educational and cultural activities designed to engage the community.

The month-long celebration will kick off on February 3 with a keynote address in the Student Union Cafeteria by Parkland College President Pam Lau. Following the introduction, Professor Evelyn Reynolds will present “Black Jobs: A Review of Current U.S. Labor Statistics and Racialized Work,” where she will analyze occupational data and discuss recent controversial remarks by figures such as Donald Trump and Steve Bannon regarding racial attitudes in the labor market.

Events scheduled throughout February include:

• Financial Awareness with Felicia Fee-Oliver (February 4): A session aimed at enhancing financial literacy, focusing on empowering students to reach their financial and professional goals.
• Speak With a Diplomat (February 5): Susan Falatko, Diplomat in Residence, will discuss career opportunities with the U.S. Department of State, highlighting the variety of roles available to graduates from diverse academic backgrounds.
• Breaking Generational Curses with Maliya Smith (February 5): A talk addressing the impact of trauma from generation to generation, particularly within African American communities, with strategies for overcoming such challenges.
• Express Yourself: Crafts, Music, and Culture (February 6 and 10): Accessibility Specialist Kristen Stephens will guide students in creating expressions of their individuality and culture through various artistic mediums.
• LinkedIn 101 Webinar (February 11): An online seminar offering students insights into using LinkedIn for career growth, with participants receiving a free 1-year LinkedIn Premium account.
• Island of Fire: The Black Worker and the Crisis of Subproletarianization with Augustus Wood (February 12): A lecture tracing the challenges faced by Black workers from the 1970s to the present, focusing on labor conditions in corporate university environments like Illinois.
• In Search of Family: Tracing Ancestors with Stephanie Davingman (February 13): A session on genealogy specifically tailored to the challenges encountered by African Americans in tracing their lineage.
• Brilliant Color Art Collage (February 17): An art-making session led by Professor Denise Seif and Gallery Director Lisa Costello, inspired by the work of Alma Thomas and celebrating Black History Month.
• Hot Takes/Race Talks (February 18): A discussion hosted by Professors Marsh Jones and Jalisa Beauford, along with student organizations, focusing on defining racism and addressing its impact.
• Black Professionals Panel Discussion (February 19): A panel featuring Parkland professors and guests discussing their career paths and experiences with discrimination in education and the workforce.
• Black Joy Social (February 20): An evening of celebration with performances, an open mic, and community building, showcasing the vibrancy of African American culture.
• Soul Food Lunch (February 24): A culinary event featuring traditional soul food, with options for all attendees to enjoy a taste of cultural heritage.
• Anniversary Celebration of Brown vs. the Board of Education (February 25): A panel discussion marking 70 years since the landmark court decision, with insights from academics and community leaders on its enduring impact.
• Trauma and Resilience with Karen Simms (February 26): A talk on dealing with trauma, fostering resilience, and building supportive community networks.

Parkland College invites all community members to partake in these enriching events, celebrating the pivotal contributions and ongoing influence of African Americans in shaping the nation’s labor landscape.