February is Black History Month: How Will You Celebrate? How Will You Advocate?

Black History Month promises to start more conversations than usual this year. The Black Lives Matter movement is making national headlines, overt racism is on the rise throughout the country in the form of hate incidents against people of color and divisive political rhetoric. So it’s especially important that we have these conversations in Wisconsin, which has been found to be the worst state in the country for African-American children.Ferguson-protest(1)

What can we do, as a city, a county, a region, and as businesses, organizations, and individuals to improve the situation, and to honor the contributions of African-Americans to our history and society today? How will staff in your organization celebrate Black History Month?  What new leadership can you provide in recognizing the contributions of African-Americans in your field? Let’s have those discussions right here in our communities in the Greater La Crosse Area.  How can you get involved?

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Here are some events in the area to educate, enlighten, challenge, and inspire us:

Awareness Through Performance:  Privilege Unplugged X:  Monday Feb. 22; 7pm; UWL Valhalla – Cartwright Center (free)

Queer Cinema:  “Still Black:  A Portrait of Black Transmen”: Wednesday Feb. 24; 7pm; UW-L 337 Cartwright Center (free)

“It Takes Respect” Keynote Presentation delivered by Aeneas Williams, Pastor & Retired NFL Pro-Bowl Player:  Wednesday Feb. 24; 6:30 – 8:30pm; Viterbo University Fine Arts Center Main Theatre (free; registration required)

Movie Screening and Discussion:  Cru, facilitated by Actor & Singer Keith Robinson:  Friday Feb. 26; 6:30 – 8:30pm; UW-L Hall of Nations; purchase tickets in Cartwright Center, 1/25-2/22.

Reflections of Ebony Program & Dinner – Keynote Speaker Dr. Shonta Smith: Saturday Feb. 27th; 5:30pm Doors Open, 6:15pm Program Starts, 6:30pm Dinner Served. Purchase tickets in Cartwright 1/25 – 2/22.

Event Notice

Fierce Foundation's Empower Generations LIVE Event

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Multi­cultural Resource Guide

This guide lists established and emerging resources that reflect and celebrate cultural diversity in our area.

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