Black History Month 2023 will start a series of events to honor not only African American history across our nation, but the important African American history on our campus and within the local area. Lectures, panel discussions, musicals, plays, themed meals, open mic nights, and other activities are all part of the festivities. The planned events promote unity, diversity, and equality on campus and within the local community.

The 2023 national Black History Month theme is "Black Resistance." African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, exploitation, institutional discrimination, and brutality since their arrival in this country. By resisting Black people have achieved triumphs, successes, and progress as seen in the end of chattel slavery, dismantling of Jim and Jane Crow segregation in the South, increased political representation at all levels of government, desegregation of educational institutions, the passage of Civil Rights Act of 1964, the opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History in DC and increased and diverse representation of Black experiences in media. Black resistance strategies have served as a model for every other social movement in the country, thus, the legacy and importance of these actions cannot be understated.

Schedule of Events

Performance - The Wiz at Mary M. Danos Theater in Talbot Hall

Dorothy, a Harlem schoolteacher, is suddenly whisked to the urban fantasy land of Oz as she tries to save her dog from a storm. Dorothy is informed about the Wiz, a wizard who can assist her in returning to Manhattan, after she unintentionally kills the Wicked Witch of the East upon her arrival. The Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion accompany Dorothy as she searches for the Wizard of Oz. There are many symbols and connotations in “The Wiz,” both clear and subtle, that relate to important facets of the black experience and culture. Slavery and emancipation, the black church and religion, and the massive black migration from the rural south to the urban north are the key themes that run throughout the performance.

Time:
Jan. 27, 2023 at 7 p.m
Jan. 28, 2023 at 6 p.m.
Jan. 29, 2023 at 3 p.m.

Cost: General Admissions $30.00, Students and Children $20.00

February 1, 2023

Black Resistance: A Conversation 60 Years in the Making

The Black History Month 2023 theme, "Black Resistance," explores how African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms since the nation's earliest days.This year, 2023, will mark the 60th Anniversary of the integration of Nicholls State University. On Tuesday, September 17, 1963, seven African American students resisted the status quo and arrived, registered, and were admitted to Nicholls State University. Several other students enrolled in the following days. In the Spring of 1964 minority enrollment surpassed 40 students. To kick-off Black History Month 2023, The Office of Title IX & Civil Rights Compliance will host a panel discussion with individuals and/or their family members connected to the integration of the University.

Location: Danos Theater

10:45am-2:00pm: African American Themed Cuisine Collard Greens and Cornbread by Kelly Beauty

Come taste Nicholls State Culinary Students signature dishes every Wednesday in February. The price for guests is $8.25 + tax. You don't want to miss these amazing dishes.

Location: Galliano Dining Hall

6:00pm - Women Leading the Way: Celebrating Black Entrepreneurs

The panelists will represent black women who are entrepreneurs. The objective of this panel is to get the panelists to talk about their hardships and obstacles on becoming a black entrepreneur. We will have various questions all and all leading to how they resisted these obstacles that could have blocked their path to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Hosted by BWLA.

Location: Le Bijou

February 2, 2023

5:30 pm - Negro Spiritual Master Class

Participate in our master class as we explore the authentic performance techniques used when singing the Negro Spiritual. The master class is open to collegiate and high school students. Not a singer? Don't worry; feel free to participate and learn more about the Negro Spiritual with Byron Johnson, master class clinician.

Location: Danos Theater

5:30pm - The Black Excellence Informational

All Black Organizations will have a representative + small presentation on their Black Organization on campus. This event will include NPHC Organizations as well.

Location: Le Bijou

February 3, 2023

11:30AM-6:00PM: The Essence of Black Celebration (EOBC)

An event that encompasses Nicholls State University, the Thibodaux community, and other southern Louisiana colleges. This event will be open to neighboring college's sororities and fraternities, community vendors and live music.

Location: Center of NSU (behind student union, behind library/Talbot & Gouaux Hall)

7:30p - The 12th Annual Celebration of the Negro Spiritual Concert Series Performance

Nicholls Department of Music will host their 12th Annual Festival of the Negro Spiritual Concert Series featuring historical songs once sung by slaves and plantation workers. The music event will feature distinguished guest artists, faculty, and students from universities across several states as well as community members. Hosted by the Music Department.

Location: Danos Theater

February 6, 2023

11:00a - Understanding Financial Aid

The presentation will cover the basics of financial aid, the application process, and the new debt forgiveness program. Hosted by the Office of Financial Aid.

Location: Le Bijou Theater

February 7, 2023

11:00a-Noon: Chef Kearstin Foster demo of African Street Food

Come taste Nicholls State Culinary Alumni African Street Food. You do not want to miss this amazing event. Hosted by Culinary.

Location: Ledet Hall Demo Kitchen

February 8, 2023

10:45a-2:00p: African American Themed Cuisine Shrimp and Grits by Loretta Nash

Come taste Nicholls State Culinary Students signature dishes every Wednesday in February. The price for guests is $8.25 + tax. You don't want to miss these amazing dishes.

Location: Galliano Dining Hall

1:00p-2:30p: A Fight for Racial Justice

This panel will discuss the violence seen in rural and urban areas, the efforts to reform our criminal justice system, and the ways in which our society can improve as a whole to address racial injustice.

Location: Student Union, Room 4

5:30pm: Black Men's Success Expo. (Banquet)

Black Successful male Point of View speakers; banquet style.

7:00p-9:00p: Relate to Resistance (Open Mic with Guest Speaker, Myron Wright)

(refreshments following event)

Myron D. Wright grew up in Midland on the west side in the city of Thibodaux, Louisiana. A graduate of Nicholls State University and Southern University A&M, he has contributed to society abundantly through public speaking, humanitarian efforts, and good citizenship. In 2002, Myron Wright, a sophomore at Thibodaux High School became paralyzed in the last football game of the season. It was a play when a player from the opposing team pushed Myron from behind which threw him off balance. With his head down, he was hit from the front and fractured his C4 vertebrate. Although Myron maintains his feeling and sensation, he was left paralyzed from the shoulders down.His ultimate goal is to walk again, which he is not there yet, but closer than he was before. Hosted by CROWN and Relate.

Location: Danos Theater

February 9, 2023

1-3 p.m.: Common Grounds

The Office of Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance invites you to a Common Grounds Activity.

Location: Danos Theater

5:30p - Movie Night: The Banker

"The Banker" In the 1960s, two entrepreneurs hatched an ingenious business plan to fight for housing integration and equal access to the American Dream, inspired by true events. -candy, drinks & popcorn.

Location: Le Bijou Theater

5:00 p.m. - Celebration of Black Voices

The Creative Writing Club is hosting a virtual reading to celebrate African-American Voices.

Location: In the Grid inside of the Student Union

February 10, 2023

2:00p - Reception for Rodney Wood's Library Display

Nicholls Senior, Rodney Woods, will present his interpretation of his Black History month displays for the past four years and follow with a reception of light refreshments and a signing of his prints. More of his work can be found here: visualsbyduke.com

Location: Faculty Lounge, Library

6:30 PM - The Wax Museum: Black Resistance

Highlights the Nicholls Integration story, Black Monologues, The Wax Figures, Phases of fashion, Dance Performances and much more.

Location: Danos Theatre

February 13, 2023

9:30 am - Breaking Barriers: A Trio of Firsts

Three local firsts in their field share their stories of successes and tribulation on their rise to the top.

Speakers:
Jonathan Terrell; First Black Athletic Director at Nicholls State University
Dana Coleman; First Black Police Chief in Terrebonne Parish
Tyler Lewis; First Black Head Football Coach at Terrebonne High School

Location: 125 Hill Hall

5:30p - The NAACP 2nd General Meeting

Black History Month General Meeting will be playing black card revoked.

Location: Student Union, Room 3

February 14, 2023

2:00p - Book Talk: Hood Feminism

Ellender Memorial Library and Dr.Kevin McQueeney hosts a book discussion focusing on themes that are showcased in Mikki Kendall's Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot.

Location: Library Coffee Shop

February 15, 2023

5 pm-9 pm: SPA's Colonel Gras Concert

"Let the good times roll at Colonel Gras 2023! Join SPA for live music, food, and giveaways to celebrate the Mardi Gras season!"

Location: in the Barker Parking Lot/Student Tailgate Area

10:45a-2:00p: African American Themed Cuisine Peach Cobbler Pound Cake w/ Vanilla Ice Cream by Kedriana Nicholas

Come taste Nicholls State Culinary Students signature dishes every Wednesday in February. The price for guests is $8.25 + tax. You don't want to miss these amazing dishes.

Location:Galliano Dining Hall

1:00p -2:30p: Sociology Club: The Importance of Black History: The Process of Learning and Unlearning Panel

The Nicholls Sociology Club and Sociology Instructor, Kristen Callais invites you to join Nicholls State University Inside/Out scholars for a conversation on the importance of Black History and the collateral damage of mass incarceration.

Location: Le Bijou Theater

5:30p - UCC 5th Year Black Mental Health: The Black Resistance

A panel discussion forum. The focus of this event is to educate and engage the Nicholls Community on mental health and wellness as well as to enhance mental health awareness not only amongst all students and faculty/staff but particularly our African American/black students. Hosted by The University Counseling Center.

Location: Talbot Theater

7:00p-9:00p: Rhythm of Resistance

Blues performer Chris Thomas King to speak about his new book: The Blues: The Authentic Narrative of my Music and Culture, released in 2021.

From his website: "Groundbreaking book authored by Chris Thomas King laying out the authentic history of the blues. King shares the story of his music and culture which began in New Orleans in the late nineteenth century. A must read for any music fan or history enthusiast."

Also about CTK: He was born in Baton Rouge, and is the son of the late blues musician Tabby Thomas. He's a Grammy winner and has sold more than 10 million records in the U.S. He's also been featured as an actor playing Tommy Johnson in the 2000 film O Brother, Where Art Thou?.

Location: Danos Theater

February 16, 2023

4:30p - Career Connection Fair

Common majors, each classification (Fr., Soph., Jun., Sen.) +a real world representative.

Location: The Ballroom

February 23, 2023

1-3p.m.: Common Grounds

The Office of Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance invites you to a Common Grounds Activity.

Location: Danos Theater

February 24, 2023

11:30a - River Road African American Museum Tour in Donaldsonville

The bus boards at 11:30 a.m. and departs campus at 12:15 in front of the Student Union. The bus will return at or around 4:30 p.m.

Location: Bus Boards in front of Student Union

February 28, 2023

6:00p - The Black Experience

A gathering for all the black student organizations (BWLA, S.A.L.U.T.E., BSU, CROWN, ALPHAS, & Deltas) to come together. There will be a DJ, food, (Raising Cane's chicken, bread and fries + fruit punch) games, (line dance, cornhole & cup pong).

Location: On the Wood

6:00p - The Black Experience

A gathering for all the black student organizations (BWLA, S.A.L.U.T.E., BSU, CROWN, ALPHAS, & Deltas) to come together. There will be a DJ, food, (Raising Cane's chicken, bread and fries + fruit punch) games, (line dance, cornhole & cup pong). Hosted by the Counseling Department. Hosted by NAACP.

Location: On the Wood.

Date: February 1-28, 2023

Location:
Nicholls State University,
906 East First Street,
Thibodaux, LA 70301.

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